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Cairo to Host 25th Session of UCLG Africa’s Executive Committee

General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Cairo to Host 25th Session of UCLG Africa’s Executive Committee

General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
General view of hotels, banks and office buildings in Cairo, Egypt. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egypt will host the two-day 25th ordinary session of the Executive Committee of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) on Thursday.

The event will be attended by UCLG President Mohamed Boudra, UCLG Secretary-General Jean Pierre Mbassi, as well as several African ministers of local development and 25 governors and mayors of African cities, who are also members of the committee.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is scheduled to meet with UCLG executive committee members to review Egypt’s point of view regarding its cooperation with Africa, the Egyptian cabinet revealed in a statement.

They will also discuss means of supporting the progress made at all levels between Egypt and African countries in various fields, the statement added.

Madbouly will attend the signing ceremony of the inauguration of headquarters of the UCLG Africa regional office for North Africa (NARO) in Cairo.

Egypt’s Minister of Local Development General Mahmoud Shaarawy said heads of the African and foreign affairs committees in Egypt’s parliament were also invited, along with governors, international partners, foreign embassies, and United Nations organizations.

Egypt seeks to make the NARO headquarters a hub for qualifying African cadres, especially after its successful African Union presidency, he explained.

“Cairo also aims to discuss the challenges faced by African cities and other important issues with African countries and their international partners to serve the people of the continent.”

The meetings in Cairo will provide the opportunity to discuss and exchange expertise to address several issues, including population growth, solid waste, climate changes, which will benefit various African countries.

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Arab World

Aleppo Residents Share Accounts of ‘Sudden Battle’

Militants from the factions that attacked near a bus station in New Aleppo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Militants from the factions that attacked near a bus station in New Aleppo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Aleppo Residents Share Accounts of ‘Sudden Battle’

Militants from the factions that attacked near a bus station in New Aleppo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Militants from the factions that attacked near a bus station in New Aleppo (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Syrian armed groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ankara-backed militias, have taken control of most of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, after a swift retreat by Syrian army forces.

The factions announced a 24-hour curfew on Saturday. The Syrian army said in a statement that “dozens of its soldiers were killed” in the attack, forcing its troops to withdraw. It added that preparations are underway for a counteroffensive to regain the city.

Residents told Asharq Al-Awsat they were caught off guard by the fighting, which broke out after four years of relative calm.

Ahmed Abu Bakr, a government employee in Aleppo, described how life was normal in the city until last Wednesday, November 27.

“Suddenly, we heard fighting in some areas. The attacking factions advanced quickly and took control of parts of the city, reaching the center by the next day,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Ahmed expressed concern for Aleppo’s future, fearing it could be divided again, like during the years 2012-2016 when the city was split between government forces and armed factions.

“The city can’t handle more conflict,” he said.

According to Ahmed and others, the HTS and allied groups have seized most neighborhoods, government offices, and prisons. Activists shared images online showing militants freeing hundreds of prisoners.

Raouf, 44, a displaced resident, shared his concern about the situation.

“The militants say there’s no need to fear and that things will improve, but it feels like they’re the ones in charge, with the power to make promises of protection.”

Raouf criticized HTS, calling it a rebranded version of al-Nusra Front, and reminded Syrians of their violent past.

“They executed women, killed activists and journalists, and brought foreign fighters into Syria,” he said.

Maysa, 54, who lives near the governor’s palace in central Aleppo, recalled the first moments militants entered the palace.

“We heard gunfire and chants,” she said.

“When we went outside, we saw Free Syrian Army vehicles near the palace and the Russian consulate. They told everyone over loudspeakers to stay indoors for safety.”

She confirmed that all shops, markets, and pharmacies closed after the attack on Wednesday.

“Only the fighters and their vehicles are here now. Aleppo has turned into a military base,” she added.

Reem, 33, a former private-sector employee in New Aleppo, described the fear among residents.

“Those still here are in shock. We never expected this sudden attack. We were hit by factions led by al-Qaeda fighters,” she said, clearly upset.

“We are living in fear, with our future now in the hands of a few militants,” she affirmed.