The Egyptian National Action Group is troubled by the politically supportive tone held in the
statement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva issued on April 26th, following the
regime’s request for emergency funds.

• Although many independent observers criticized the catastrophic management of the
  COVID-19 crisis by the Egyptian regime, both in terms of actions and transparency, the IMF
  statement praises Sisi and the junta who “have responded quickly and decisively with
  measures to limit its spread and provide support to affected people and businesses”.
• The IMF Managing Director adds further that “The Central Bank of Egypt has also
  implemented timely measures to support the domestic economy” a few days after the
  chairman of Daily News Egypt was arrested after an article had raised allegations of currency
  manipulation by the Central Bank of Egypt.
  The Egyptian National Action Group regrets that the IMF shows such a clear lack of independent
  information about the reality of the economic, social and sanitary situation of Egypt. We call for
  the IMF to listen to other voices than the regime’s, to watch much more closely how their funds
  have been used so far and to realise that their money has mostly funded corruption and the military
  economy but certainly not the real economy and the private sector.
  Also, despite the billions injected by the IMF, the EU or the Gulf countries, Egyptians are poorer by
  almost 20% and 6 Egyptians out of 10 are considered as either poor or vulnerable by the World
  Bank itself. Due to the IMF reforms, the most destitute can no longer rely on State subsidies for their
  basic needs.
• How will the IMF make sure that these emergency loans will truly serve the Egyptian
  population?
• How will the IMF make sure that none of this money will go into Sisi or some generals’ bank
  accounts?
  As a reminder, the 2016-2019 IMF program in Egypt aimed at “restoring macroeconomic stability
  and return Egypt to strong and sustainable growth.” including “bringing down the budget deficit and
  government debt”. However, in 2013, Egypt’s external debt was USD 43 Billion. It has now reached
  more than USD 110 Billion.
  The Egyptian National Action Group
  29 April 2020