It is never the right time to say goodbye. But that is what I have to do as I end my three-years as British Ambassador to Egypt. Three years packed with turbulent political change, and filled with both hopes and disappointments.
By chance I am leaving on the anniversary of the peaceful mass demonstrations of 30 June last year, a date of huge significance. Millions upon millions of Egyptians came onto the streets to call for the fulfilment of the demand they made in 2011 for their rights and freedoms. Chief among these last summer was the right to live and to practice their religion freely according to their beliefs and traditions, rejecting the imposition of harsh social codes and the use of religion for political purposes. In that respect the Egypt I leave now is a happier and more hopeful place.
But the road to democratic freedom and accountable government is a long one. Many Egyptians are worried by the continuing threat of terrorist violence, but equally worried that the true freedom to practice and develop democratic politics is severely constrained in the name of security. They know that real security will only come with the political and social empowerment of the people.
For that reason I shall be following with close and sympathetic attention the parliamentary elections due later this year. Their success in providing the future government with a truly democratic mandate will be crucial. Nor only for political legitimacy, but for the economic growth too that is so urgently needed. Without society feeling empowered to serve its country, Egypt’s economy will continue to grow much more slowly than it could. This is not a statement about ideology, but about the importance of civil society tackling Egypt’s many needs, and being given the freedom to do so. And that involves the freedom of the press to discuss those needs and to debate solutions.
No one can leave Egypt with feeling a deep affection for the country and its people. That is certainly what I feel. I wish Egypt all success in finding a prosperous and peaceful future.
