Egyptian media outlets reported that several members of Egypt’s military and security services appeared to be among those arrested. Egyptian authorities seemed eager to play down the plane’s seizure: Two journalists covering the episode were detained in Cairo without charge on Saturday, then released on Sunday. Zambia and Egypt have close ties, even though Zambia is often celebrated for its democratic governance and Egypt is often criticized as repressive. In June, Mr. el-Sisi visited Zambia to strengthen regional trade between northern and southern Africa. In Zambia, the ballooning scandal has become a test of the country’s resolve to crack down on corruption and the impunity of the political elite.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 21, 2023 15:12 UTC