Algeria has historic opportunity to alternate power at Arab League

Egypt’s decision not to bid for the Arab League’s Secretary General position encouraged member states to push their candidates to break Cairo’s monopoly.

Current Secretary General said he will not run for another term. That means Arab states should seek a successor in the next elections due to be held in July. 

An Algerian diplomat told Echorouk that Egyptian authorities examine possible alternatives to maintain the position.

“Cairo invited Arab foreign ministers to attend an extraordinary meeting on March 10th beside foreign ministers’ ordinary session. An Egyptian name will be proposed to succeed Nabil Al-Arabi,” he said.

Earlier, Egyptian newspaper Echorouk evoked the name of Ahmed Abu Ghait, a former foreign minister.

Spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry Ahmed Abu Zaid said President Sissi proposed the candidate’s name and hopes that Arab rulers would accept him.

The newspaper alleged that many Arab states will vote for the Egyptian candidate, in an attempt to give an impression that the decision was made.

Algeria is one of the first Arab nations which called for alternation at the Arab League as it is always monopolized by Egypt.  

All it seems, Algeria has a chance to propose another name except the expected Egyptian candidate. Coordination should be done with other states to reach alternation and eliminate dependency to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Cairo is no more a traditional ally for Gulf nations except the UAE. Conflicts exist between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar over many issues including Syria and Libya.

Egypt does not have good relations with Maghrebin nations as well. This could hit its ambition to have control on the Arab League.