Incoming AU chair President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will likely focus less on "financial and administrative reform" than his predecessor, Swelam added. An African diplomat told AFP that Egypt -- along with fellow heavyweights South Africa and Nigeria -- does not want a powerful AU. However, the trade pact has met resistance from South Africa. While also disputed by the Catholic church, the results were validated by DRC's constitutional court and saluted by continental heavyweights South Africa, Kenya and Egypt. "North African countries have a reputation of looking in a different direction than Africa, and Egypt will have to overcome that stereotype," she said.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 09, 2019 05:48 UTC