Egypt and Saudi Arabia Vie for Arab League Secretary-General Post; Cairo Breaks Tradition
According to webangah News Agency, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that consultations are underway with key Arab League members to select a successor for Aboul Gheit, whose term concludes this September.
Egyptian diplomatic sources revealed Cairo’s intention to propose Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for the position-a historic move, as all previous secretaries-general had been foreign ministers since the League’s 1945 founding.
A senior Egyptian diplomat stated that Madbouly enjoys “full confidence” from President abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Egyptian institutions. Othre candidates include Foreign minister Badr Abdelatty and former Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
The source noted Cairo faces unprecedented challenges,with multiple member states nominating candidates. Algeria has expressed interest, while some factions reportedly advocate for saudi Arabia to assume the role.
The diplomat explained Egypt initially backed Shoukry but faced opposition-especially from Gulf states-making Madbouly a less controversial alternative. Meanwhile, another Arab diplomatic source confirmed preliminary discussions indicate Saudi Arabia’s ambition for the secretary-generalship.
The Arab League secretary-general serves a five-year term with one possible renewal.
