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."
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".
-
Nepal chooses toddler as its new ‘living goddess’Under the Radar Girls between two and four are typically chosen to live inside the temple as the Kumari – until puberty strikes
-
October 5 editorial cartoonsCartoons Sunday's political cartoons include half-truth hucksters, Capitol lockdown, and more
-
Jaguar Land Rover’s cyber bailoutTalking Point Should the government do more to protect business from the ‘cyber shockwave’?
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across SyriaTHE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
