As regional tensions escalate, Egypt emerges as the Middle East's most influential peacekeeper, leveraging its military might and diplomatic finesse to address conflicts from Libya to Palestine. With unprecedented challenges and shifting global alliances through BRICS+, Cairo's unique position as a regional mediator faces its greatest test.
For hundreds of years, dating back to the Ottoman Empire (14th to early 20th century), across various Middle Eastern countries there has been continuous war resulting in detrimental devastation, colossal damage to infrastructure, historic buildings, spiritual havens, the loss of millions of homes and millions dead or displaced.
The Middle East has been the location for multiple wars over countless years for several complex and nuanced reasons stemming from geopolitical tensions, differences in ideology or religion, greed and even misconstrued recollections of history. Some examples explaining why the Middle East has such a conflict-ridden history is firstly, its strategic location and resources. The area is very rich in oil and natural resources, namely gas reserves which have a high monetary value and of course can cause internal and external issues, especially revolving power and control over the resources. Other examples explaining why the Middle East has been victim to numerous wars and conflicts is the highly lucrative location in relation to trade routes and the Middle East’s proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa. The Silk Road and the more modern Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is evidence of the importance of the region’s accessibility to critical avenues. With Egypt’s growing role in BRICS+ and its diplomatic history in the Middle East and North Africa, Cairo can efficiently act as a Middle East mediator in conflicts amongst the BRICS member states.
Egypt has played an instrumental role in the Libyan peace process through peacekeeping efforts, not only because of the oil reserve issues but because of the Libyan war that began in 2011. Egypt has consistently been a political mediator in the conflict by being supportive of the various diplomatic efforts to pacify the situation. Most recently the Egyptian President, al-Sisi engaged in efforts to broker a ceasefire negotiation via the ‘Cairo Declaration’ which proposed an intra-Libyan political settlement. Foreign involvement in this capacity such as the US’s involvement in the Iraq-Iran War or the struggle for power observed in Libya- because of its significant oil reserves. Libya is the fourth- largest oil producer in Africa.
The dominant religions in the region include Islam (both Sunni and Shia), Christianity, and Judaism. The artificial borders imposed by former colonial powers, drawn through diplomatic agreements without considering existing tribal, ethnic, or religious divisions, have often led to internal power struggles. These tensions frequently escalate into civil conflicts and wars. Unfortunately, many MENA BRICS+ members have endured prolonged periods of war and instability. Egypt’s ability to navigate these challenges highlights its dedication to maintaining security and stability in the region, especially in a multipolar world where emerging economies play an increasingly influential role in global security.
The Middle East has been portrayed as a region of conflict by its own accord, although the US does seem to be instrumental in the destabilisation of the region. For example, the ongoing conflict in Palestine by Israel has been exacerbated by President Trump’s recent comments to ‘take over Gaza, and develop it into the Riviera of the Middle East’. Israel is supported by the US militarily, economically, socially and has huge influence on the political sphere in the US. The war has a detrimental effect on the entire region, but Egyptians are particularly hard-hit. With their economy suffering substantially due to war-related disruptions, including the loss of revenue from sources like the Suez Canal and the tourism industry. Disruption to Egypt's trade would destabilise global supply chains, impacting member states like China and India, and reduce the flow of goods between Egypt, other BRICS+ nations, and Europe. This is a key reason for Egypt's inclusion in BRICS+, as its vital trade contribution plays a crucial role in maintaining global trade dynamics.
Egyptian diplomacy has cultivated major strategic partnerships throughout the region such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for instance, with an added benefit that Egypt has the largest military in the MENA region. Due to the country’s military history it poses an advantage to manoeuvre the delicate situation with different countries. Egypt’s mediatory strength is somewhat undermined and may need some refinement with particular reference to the lack of compromise and understanding when it comes to critical matters such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Ethiopia.
As the Egyptian economy grapples with: inflation, poverty and growing unemployment; border and regional security is more important and pressing now than ever before. Large-scale humanitarian crises and displacement are not positive contributors in ensuring MENA stability. Egypt may not single-handedly bring peace to the Middle East, but its role remains indispensable in mediating key regional conflicts and ensuring the spirit of diplomacy is ever present.
Banthati Sekwala, Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group
Egyptian and South African Specialist