Archbishop Symeon announced the community’s willingness to sign an agreement regarding land ownership and the safeguarding of monastic life at the complex, a site in the Sinai that has served as a Christian presence of great historical and religious significance since the 6th century, and which, according to tradition, is where Moses received the Tablets of the Law.
Following the diplomatic recognition of the breakaway region, military cooperation and speculation over a possible Israeli presence in the city of Berbera have increased. Rumours about military bases have so far not been officially confirmed, but the Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly central to regional competition.
The pontiff had a phone conversation with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch this morning “in a cordial and fraternal atmosphere," the Vatican Press Office reported, to give "impetus" to the celebrations for the Day of Friendship. Leo also expressed hope that work “with all Churches of the Oriental Orthodox family” can resume.
Members of the Sudanese diaspora call for action against the UAE for supporting the Rapid Support Forces, a rebel group accused of atrocities after it captured El Fasher, where more than 2,000 people, including women and children, were killed. The Gulf state denies responsibility and announces $100 million in humanitarian aid.
An extraordinary general assembly is set for tomorrow morning. Abbot Damianos resigned recently following internal tensions and a clash with Patriarch Theophilos III. In the past few months, the historic building was the subject of a (contested) expropriation order by Egyptian authorities.
At the end of a meeting in South Africa, the WCC central committee expresses "concern" over the future of the 1,500-year-old place of worship, and calls for a “formal letter" to be sent to Egyptian President al-Sisi to ensure that the monks own the monastery. The Egyptian foreign minister defends the ruling and dismisses the idea that it violates religious freedom.
The monastery, which is still inhabited by monks, and its surrounding properties are the target. Egyptian President Al-Sisi said that the structure would be “preserved”, but Christians are angry and dismayed. Plans to seize the monastery were first laid down when the Muslim Brotherhood was in power. The goal is to turn it into a museum. For Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, it is a matter of “profound concern and deep sorrow”.
According to a study by Frontline AIDS, while the disease saw a 39 per cent overall drop in the past 15 years, the epidemic is escalating in the Middle East and North Africa, with a record 609 per cent jump in Egypt. Marginalised groups, in particular homosexuals, sex workers and drug addicts, are at great risk.
The Egyptian president visits his Turkish counterpart, turning the page on a decade of divisions, that started with a clash over the Muslim Brotherhood. Yet, the two countries never fully broke relations. Some 17 agreements are signed. The realignment is also favoured by a shared vision on Gaza.
From 4 to 6 September, Beijing is hosting the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac), the first major post-Covid event in the capital. More and more Chinese companies have developed partnerships and collaborated with governments and businesses on the continent. A response to the protectionist policies of Brussels and Washington, but there is also a ‘dumping’ risk for Africa.
Today's news: at least 32 killed in student protest in Bangladesh, state TV set on fire; Police investigate cyanide used in the murder-suicide of six Vietnamese men in a Bangkok hotel; Consensus reached between Tokyo and Pacific Island leaders on releasing Fukushima waters into the ocean; Monsoons in Nepal caused 125 deaths in little over a month.
This was reported by the Egyptian minister speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh. The government has raised transit taxes from 5% to 15%, From the Saudi capital Blinken accuses Iran, the main source of instability in the region. Hamas delegation in Cairo to study the truce, in the Strip people continue to die from Israeli raids. Women and children among the victims.
The murder occurred yesterday at the monastery of St. Mark and St. Samuel the Confessor in Cullinan, 30 km east of Pretoria. The person arrested is said to be an Egyptian member of the Church. The condolences of the Cairo authorities, Pope Tawadros is also 'closely following' the affair. Grief and dismay in the Egyptian Coptic community.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
