Finish what you started in Libya, President Sisi tells Cameron
Egyptian leader issues stern warning to the government ahead of controversial visit to the UK
Britain has a responsibility to stop the spread of Islamic extremism in Libya, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said ahead of a state visit to London.
The Egyptian leader warned that Libya had become a "danger that threatens all of us" since the UK and its Nato allies helped overthrow Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
"It was a mission that was not completely accomplished," Sisi told the Daily Telegraph. "What happened was that Libya was left without the leadership when it needed our help most."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Libya has descended into chaos since 2011, with rival governments and militias fighting for control of the country and Islamic State extremists taking advantage of the power vacuum.
Sisi urged David Cameron to stop the flow of funds and weapons and foreign fighters to the region. "All the members of Nato, including Britain, who took part in the mission to overthrow Gaddafi need to give their help," he said.
The president is expected to arrive in the UK today on a trip that has already been marred by controversy. Hundreds of people are expected to join protests outside Downing Street condemning the government for extending an invitation to a leader accused of numerous human rights abuses.
"The UK should be leading the calls for change in Egypt, not rolling out the red carpet for its increasingly authoritarian ruler," said Andre Smith from the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
"We are protesting because we want an end to arms sales to Egypt and an end to the political support that bolsters the regime," he told The Guardian.
Downing Street has defended its decision to host Sisi, arguing that the stronger the working relationship between the two countries, the more there can "be necessary and frank discussions on areas of disagreement".
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How (and why) to have the inheritance talk with family sooner than later
The Explainer The hard conversations aren't going to get any easier if you wait
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Is there a peaceful way forward for Israel and Iran?
Today's Big Question Tehran has initially sought to downplay the latest Israeli missile strike on its territory
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
The Week Unwrapped: Sudan, tackling homelessness and fake news
Podcast What is happening in Sudan? Could London really end rough sleeping? And why has Joe Lycett being making up stories?
By The Week Staff Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Gaza hospital blast: What the video evidence shows about who's to blame
Speed Read Nobody wants to take responsibility for the deadly explosion in the courtyard of Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital. Roll the tape.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giraffe poo seized after woman wanted to use it to make a necklace
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Helicopter sound arouses crocodiles
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Woman sues Disney over 'injurious wedgie'
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Emotional support alligator turned away from baseball stadium
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Europe's oldest shoes found in Spanish caves
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Artworks stolen by Nazis returned to heirs of cabaret performer
It wasn't all bad Good news stories from the past seven days
By The Week Staff Published