Nov 28, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah Al- Sisi, is set to arrive in the country this morning accompanied by a high-level delegation in a move that leaves neighboring Ethiopia, an arch rival to the Egyptians, watching at the verge of its internal crisis.
![Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisis [center] posting for a photo with Egyptian military commander [Photo credit: Middle East Monitor]](https://i0.wp.com/www.nyamile.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sisi-gives-speech-surrounded-by-generals.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
“The Office of the President is delighted to announce that His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al- Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and his
accompanying delegation is paying a visit to South Sudan on Saturday, November 28, 2020,” Ateny Wek wrote in his press release on behalf of the presidential press unit.
“H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit will welcome his Egyptian Counterpart, President Abdel Fattah Al- Sisi upon arrival at International Airport,” the statement continued.
The statement continued that the two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks which will include State Lunch and exchange views on regional stability.
“They will discuss bilateral issues and exchange views on regional stability as well as deepening South Sudan and Egypt diplomatic ties,” the statement read.
President Kiir invites the general public to wake up and head to the airport at 8am to recieve Al-Sisi.
“The Office of the President invites the general public to come to Juba International Airport beginning from 8:00 am for the reception ceremony of the historic visit of His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al- Sisi.” Read part of the statement.
The statement further reiterated that only the invited media houses are allowed to cover this event.
Ethiopia vs Egypt influence in South Sudan
The Egyptian president’s arrival comes less than a day after the Ethiopian government delegation visited president Kiir – something that happened not too long ago.
Read: Salva Kiir meets Egyptian Irrigation Minister
Also read: Egyptian spy chief, health minister pay surprise visit to Kiir
Although a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Gedu Andargachew, the Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, spent time with president Salva Kiir at his J1 residence less than 24 hours ago, the coming of the Egyptian President to Juba leave doubts if South Sudan is still that toddler that Ethiopia raised.
Also read: President Kiir meets Ethiopian Security Delegate over the Ethiopian Crisis
While Ethiopia is looking forwarding to strengthen bilateral relations with South Sudan, Egypt sees more potentials in South Sudan and chances of exerting political influence in the region including maintaining grip on the River Nile with a major focus on silencing Ethiopia.
The Egyptian government has so far been placing resources at South Sudan’s disposal including establising academic institutions such as universities and providing humanitarian assistance – something Ethiopia is yet to think.
On the downside, South Sudanese in Egypt are reporting high rate of racial discrimination and there are fears that South Sudanese may protest the coming of the Egyptians’ President Al-Sisi to Juba.
