Egyptian politicians caught in on-air live mic, ‘Our war is with America and Israel’ not Ethiopia

Muslim Brotherhood Logo

Egyptian politicians claim they are embarrassed after being caught suggesting hostile acts against Ethiopia to stop it from building a dam across the Nile. They were inadvertently heard on live TV proposing military action at a meeting called by President Mohammed Morsi.

As the participants did not know that the meeting was being aired live by state TV, they spoke their minds openly. (See their official apologies below)

One of the politicians suggested sending special forces to destroy the dam; another thought of jet fighters to scare the Ethiopians; and a third called for Egypt to support rebel groups fighting the government in Addis Ababa.

Magdi Hussein, Chairman of Egypt’s Islamic Labor Party stated that the conflict over the Nile was not just with Israel but with the United States and Israel. According to the MEMRI translation, Hussein said he was “very fond of battles.” He continued:

With the enemies of course—with America and Israel, but this battle must be waged with judiciousness and calm.

He then called for the members of the cabinet to swear themselves to secrecy as they prepare for a confrontation. “We need a popular plan for popular national security.”

As he spoke, someone handed Hussein a note, prompting him to say: “Okay … fine… The principles behind what I’m saying are not really secret… Our war is with America and Israel, not with Ethiopia. Therefore engaging in a war… This is my opinion….”

Egyptian President Morsi interrupted the discussion and stated, “This meeting is being aired live on TV.” His announcement evoked a round of embarrassed laughter from his cabinet.

Muhammad Anwar al-Sadat, the leader of the secular Reform and Development party, said the presidency should have warned the participants in advance that the meeting would be broadcast live.

“I am afraid most of the politicians who attended the meeting were not well informed about such a sensitive topic,” he told the BBC.

“But the statements made during the meeting do not represent the Egyptian official stance. It was just a chat between politicians who were angered by the Ethiopian plans.”

A presidential adviser apologised for failing to warn politicians.

“I am sorry for any unintentional embarrassment,” Bakinam al-Sharqawi said in a statement.