Egypt strengthens influence in Africa through church
The Egyptian government is working through the Egyptian Orthodox Church in Africa, especially in the Nile Basin countries, as part of a soft power strategy to boost its influence in light of the crisis over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
![An Ethiopian Orthodox priest wafts incense during a prayer inside Bole Medhanialem church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 20, 2021.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2021-10/GettyImages-1233553992.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=hM7faRIx)
Egypt is taking advantage of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church's charitable and development projects in Africa to boost its influence on the continent, especially in the Nile Basin countries.
On Sept. 27, the patriarch of the Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II, promised Burundi Ambassador to Egypt Sheikh Rashid Malachi Nyirajera that the Church would continue to provide educational and health support to the Burundian people.