Dec 30, 2009

Checkpoints for Gaza

Day 2 for the South Africans dawned with grey skies. The group found themselves harassed by local “tourist” police at their hotel demanding to know their movement for the day. After informing the police of where they would be heading, the police obtained taxies for the group, taking down the particulars of the taxi drivers as well as escorted the delegation to the South African embassy.  They were welcomed by the General of the Police Force outside the South African embassy in Cairo and allowed to meet with the Counsellor, Seaelo Ramokgopa.

Ramokgopa expressed her sympathy to the delegation and informed the delegation that “we are in a police state (Egypt)”. The Egyptian government is known for their vigilant security and especially with an issue that’s very sensitive to then, the Rafah crossing.

According to the Counsellor  the group has been monitored since they touch downed in Egyptian soil and Egyptian intelligence had known of our movements before the Embassy had even being aware that we where present in the country.

The South African delegation had met with the embassy to ensure security form the Egyptian harassment and to be allowed to move freely. They also wanted the South African government to support the South African delegation and help facilitate entry into Gaza. The demands of the delegation were also for the South African government to put pressure for the Gaza Freedom March to be allowed.

A statement by the Egyptian government dated the 22 of this month was brought to the attention of the delegation. The document stated that “Egypt will not approve the Gaza freedom march… and any activity on Egyptian soil is illegal.” The ambiguous statement does not define what activities are not permitted placing limitations on the delegates to mobilize and strategize effectively. According to Egyptian law, any meeting of more than 1000 is illegal.

Achmat Azzam, a member of the Palestinian Issues in the Foreign Ministry, informed the embassy that the Rafah crossing will be opened for a few days next week only to allow Gazans that need healthcare to enter Cairo and not for foreigners to enter the Strip.

After the lengthy meeting where the embassy stressed their support for the wellbeing of the delegation and empathized with the situation the delegation was in, yet stated the South African embassy could not do much.


The delegation exited to find the General and his team still lingering outside where once again they where asked their destination, found taxi and their drivers particulars noted down.

This was not the last of the monitoring, the group has been tailed throughout the day by plain cloths as well as uniformed police officers whop claim its for the safety of oneself.








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