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Egypt must do more to protect its minorities

Is there a safe place for the minorities in Egypt? Coptic Christians, who make up about one-tenth of the total population, have been living in the shadow of fear. A pervasive feeling of being hunted and killed by extremist groups like Daesh grips the community. On December 29 last year, 29 were killed when worshippers were attacked at a church in the capital Cairo. On April 9 this year, the extremist group killed 45 and maimed many more at churches in Alexandria and Tanta. The Sisi government had condemned the attacks then, as it did now, and announced a state of emergency. Yet, attacks have continued. No distinctions were made among men, women, and children when victims were targeted at point blank range and killed. Friday's attack was no different. Children aged between two and four are on the list of victims who were part of the convoy to the monastery of Saint Samuel. Why has the state repeatedly failed at foiling such attacks? Why is the Sisi government unable to put a strong defence? The government needs to think deeply on what can stop this bloodshed. How can it respond more effectively to such acts of terror? By stoking conflict and creating pandemonium, Daesh and other extremist groups are clearly aiming to undermine the stability of the country.

Daesh, particularly, is a cause of concern. The group is losing its battle in Iraq and Syria. Who knows if these extremists might be looking elsewhere, maybe at Egypt, to set up its next base? What if it has already made inroads and trying to turn Egyptian cities into its next bastions of power? The repercussions would be grave. In the past few months, Daesh has made its intentions clear towards Coptic Christians by calling them their "favourite prey". Terrorism is a form of theatre for extremists. Egypt and its allies need to come together to fight this menace. The government has launched attacks against extremists groups in Libya, but clearly that is not enough. There is more work needed on the ground to make minorities feel safe. They rooted for Sisi's presidency and expect nothing more than security.