The United States has waived human rights conditions for over $320 million in military aid to Egypt. This action has been noted due to Cairo's useful role since the beginning of the U.S. war with Iran.
Background of Military Aid to Egypt
Since 1979, following the signing of a peace treaty with Israel, Egypt has benefited from significant U.S. support. Since the late 1980s, the country has received an average of about $1.3 billion in military aid from the United States annually. Part of this aid is conditional on human rights and democracy requirements, which can be waived for national security reasons.
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The withholding of this aid during Joe Biden's presidency has caused tensions between Cairo and Washington. A letter sent to congressional committees indicates that Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, has decided to waive the certification conditions for $320 million of foreign military aid to Egypt in the fiscal year 2025.
Details of the Decision and Its Implications
This portion of military aid has been declared "essential for combating terrorism, border security, and non-proliferation programs" and is also recognized as an important factor for U.S. national security interests. In a memo accompanying this decision, it states: "The use of this authority to waive conditions is essential for U.S.-Egypt relations and U.S. national security priorities, especially considering Egypt's useful role following Operation Epic Fury."
Operation Epic Fury refers to the U.S. military campaign against Iran that began in late February alongside Israel. The memo does not provide further details about Egypt's useful role. The annual determination by the U.S. Department of State regarding military aid to Egypt typically includes budget allocations for the previous fiscal year that has ended.
In the wake of the Iran war, significant costs have been imposed on U.S. security partners, including Egypt. The Egyptian economy has been affected by rising fuel prices and other disruptions. Additionally, hundreds of millions of dollars in cash aid and military equipment were halted following the ousting of Mohamed Morsi, the country's democratically elected prime minister, in 2013.
The Biden administration has previously suspended portions of annual military aid to Egypt several times due to the country's human rights situation. However, in 2024, following Hamas's attack on Israel and the war in Gaza, this administration waived human rights conditions and for the first time during this period fully funded the entire $1.3 billion allocated to Egypt.
Egypt has played a central role in ceasefire negotiations regarding the conflicts in Gaza, but has been less visible in mediating the Iran war. Human rights groups have consistently accused Egypt of widespread human rights violations under the leadership of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
This week, Egyptian police arrested six journalists from an investigative media outlet for publishing false information in favor of the Muslim Brotherhood, which the outlet has denied. Egyptian officials have stated that they are taking necessary measures to address the human rights situation, and el-Sisi has emphasized the importance of stability, stating that the government is promoting human rights by meeting the basic needs of the people.
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