The US has reportedly made a decision on (some of) Egypt’s military aid: The US will suspend at least USD 85 mn in military assistance to Egypt this year on human rights grounds, according to Reuters. Two sources told the newswire that the State Department has decided to withhold USD 85 mn and will soon make a decision on whether to suspend another USD 235 mn.

Remember: Some USD 320 mn of the USD 1.3 bn the US gives to Egypt in military aid each year is contingent on the country making improvements to its human rights situation. Of this:

  • USD 85 mn is tied to making “clear and consistent progress” in releasing political prisoners, ensuring due process and preventing the intimidation of US citizens.
  • USD 235 mn is linked to other democracy and human rights requirements, though this can be overruled by the government on national security grounds.

Some US lawmakers want Biden to go the whole way: Democratic lawmakers in the House and the Senate are putting pressure on the White House to withhold the full USD 320 mn. The Biden administration has blocked Egypt from receiving USD 130 mn in aid in each of the past two years.

ALSO FROM THE DIPLO SPHERE-

  • Education Minister Reda Hegazy met with USAID Egypt director Sean Jones yesterday to discuss the agency’s support for education projects in Egypt. (Education Ministry statement)
  • Communications Minister Amr Talaat held talks in Washington yesterday with US deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology Anne Neuberger. (Communication Ministry statement)
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