Muslim US senator El-Sayed’s victory divides Egypt
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Africanews
In Egypt, Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in the US Senate has prompted mixed reactions, from public celebrations to official reserve. His criticism of Cairo, which he described as a military dictatorship, limited official enthusiasm despite pride in his Egyptian roots, reports Africa News.
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in the US Senate has prompted mixed reactions in Egypt, where his criticism of Cairo has limited official celebrations. Of Egyptian origin, El-Sayed described Egypt as a “military dictatorship funded by our taxes” after winning his party’s nomination, Africanews reports.
Many Egyptians nevertheless see his election as proof that American voters can look beyond religion and origin. Egyptian state media largely ignored his victory, while pro-government commentators played down his Egyptian roots.
The public reaction was notably positive after the new senator used the Arabic word “habibi” in his victory speech. His campaign was marked by racist and Islamophobic attacks, as well as accusations of antisemitism linked to his positions on Gaza and Israel, which he rejected.
