An official source from Egypt said that the African Union's Mid-Year Coordination Summit, scheduled for the end of June, is being considered for postponement due to the spread of the Ebola outbreak in some African countries.
The same source noted that the Egyptian administration is reassessing plans for the summit and simultaneous events in coordination with the African Union. Within this scope, the El Alameyn-Africa Business Forum may also see changes in its schedule.
The summit was planned for June 27
The African Union Commission was preparing to hold the summit on June 27. The meeting aimed to bring together the African Union and regional economic communities to accelerate economic integration across the continent.
The Egyptian government also planned to host the inaugural El Alameyn-Africa Forum from June 25 to 27. The forum was expected to include state representatives from various African countries, private sector leaders, and entrepreneurs.
According to Egyptian sources, the postponement decision is expected to be announced once the health situation regarding the spread of Ebola becomes clearer. The summit and related events are anticipated to be rescheduled for later in the year.
Health warnings continue
The World Health Organization increased concerns about the spread of Ebola following case rises in Central Africa. The agency raised the risk assessment for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda from high to very high.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the regional risk remains high. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that without strict control measures, the current outbreak could reach a scale similar to the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic, which claimed over 11,000 lives.
Earlier, Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the El Alameyn-Africa Forum as a permanent African business platform to be held biennially in the country. This year's opening meeting was planned to bring together more than 20 heads of state and government, senior representatives of international and regional financial institutions, and figures from the African business community.
