Topic: Situation in Egypt
Country: Senegal
Delegate Name: Isabel Ivanescu
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Senegal position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
Over the past 2 years Egypt has seen nothing but turmoil, with every event bringing only tragedy. This is the situation we are faced with today: an authoritarian government trying to take over a nation that has just escaped its last dictatorship, protesters being shot by the hundreds while the pretense of free speech is maintained, a country so divided that there seems to be little promise for the future. While Egypt may be divided, we, here at the United Nations, can unite to bring back the promise of a peaceful and prosperous Egypt.
Placing blame is counterproductive, however, in this particular case, it is necessary in determining how to proceed. Mr. Morsi was not an ideal leader, the Egyptian people can conclusively attest to that. The concerns raised by the protests last June and July were, by majority, legitimate; but protests should not concern a leader’s overall competence and performance, they instead should address a specific issue so as to express public opinion and achieve a change in policy. The appropriate time and place to oust a leader is an election. This likely would have been the case were it not for Egypt’s opportunistic generals. Unlike other nations, Senegal recognizes the unseating of a democratically chosen president for what is was: a military coup d’etat.
While Senegal does not believe Mr. Morse should be reinstated unless he wins a future election, he should not be imprisoned. Due to the general turmoil in Egypt at the time of the deaths of the 3 people he stands murder charges for, Senegal finds it unlikely that he is guilty. Also, because of the current power balance in Egypt, any trial Mr. Morsi is given is likely tainted. If there is legitimate evidence, the case should be referred to the ICC.
Senegal believes that the United Nations should publicly denounce the new government of Egypt, and that if the Egyptian people continue to be unsuccessful in their attempts to reinstate a democratic government, should intervene to assist them. In 2011, the population of Egypt proved that they want a democracy, and that right has recently been taken away from them, and while they will prevail again, United Nations action can insure that this happens with as little bloodshed as possible. Senegal would support a resolution which clearly reinforces the right of Egyptians to protest peacefully and states that immediate action will be taken if the current government of Egypt continues to perpetrate violence or fails to meet their timetable for an election in mid-2014. Depending on the particular scenario the UN and its member states should be amendable to options ranging from economic sanctions to military intervention.
Furthermore, the United Nations should see that free and fair elections take place in Egypt, with or without the cooperation of the caretaker government. The UN already has a host of protocols and procedures for overseeing elections which have been implemented in more than 100 countries since 1991 and have ensured an outcome aligned with the interests of the people.
Senegal believes its opinions are similar to those of both Islamic nations, and democratic nations.
Senegal looks forward to the resolution of this pressing issue and hopes that states will stand beside it in seeking sovereignty and order for the people of Egypt.
