Egypt concerned with Israeli ties in Africa

Al Ahram has an article warning about close Israeli ties with sub-Saharan Africa.

Under Nasser, Egypt used to be in the forefront of cultivating relationships with many African nations, sending engineers, teachers and other experts to help build up Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Congo (Zaire.) Nasser also used his influence to block Israeli initiatives in Africa in the 1950s and 60s.

But now Israel has taken the lead in offering services for African nations, and Egypt is only watching helplessly.

Meanwhile, the article details Israeli help towards Africa in health service, agriculture, dairy farming, and shipping, to name a few examples. In return, Israel is reaping the benefits of Africa's natural resources.

The article does not have an angry tone. It is more upset that Egypt has ceded these lucrative ties to Israel and, to a smaller extent, to Iran, India and Turkey who also have flourishing trade with African states.

Especially since Egypt is on the same continent.