Commemorating Egypt’s Historic October Victory

By Anisha Pemjee

4 November 2024

In a ceremony marking the 51st anniversary of the October Victory, members of the defence and diplomatic communities came together to honor the remarkable achievements of the Egyptian Armed Forces and to celebrate the enduring ties between Egypt and South Africa. 

The event featured speeches by Colonel Ahmed Abd El Raouf, the Egyptian Defence Attaché, and Lieutenant General Michael Ramantswana, Chief of Staff of the South African National Defence Forces as well as a video presentation.

Colonel Abd El Raouf opened his speech with a reflection on the heroic sacrifices made by the Egyptian Armed Forces during the October 1973 War. “The heroic men of the Egyptian Armed Forces demonstrated unwavering valour and sacrifice,” he declared, emphasizing the significance of the event as “an immortal testament to our nation's history and a source of exceptional pride for every Egyptian and Arab.” He paid tribute to the late President Mohamed Anwar El Sadat, highlighting his leadership in pursuing war to secure peace.

The October Victory, a defining moment in Egypt’s modern history, saw the Egyptian and Syrian forces launch a surprise offensive against Israeli positions on October 6, 1973. The conflict ultimately paved the way for subsequent peace agreements and reshaped the geopolitics of the Middle East. This historic victory remains a source of national pride, commemorated annually for its profound impact on Egypt’s sovereignty and regional stability.

Acknowledging the ever-evolving challenges facing the world today, Colonel Abd El Raouf emphasized the comprehensive modernization of the Egyptian Armed Forces. “The preservation of peace demands power,” he said, detailing Egypt’s efforts to diversify sources of armament and establish strategic partnerships in military manufacturing. “Egypt has provided weapons, equipment, training, and qualification for its forces to confront regional challenges and hostilities,” he added, reaffirming Egypt’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.

Speaking about Palestine, Colonel Abd El Raouf said, "Egypt is committed to finding a solution to the Palestinian Cause within the framework of the two-state solution and rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands."

South African Lieutenant General Michael Ramantswana spoke of Egypt’s broader influence beyond its borders, recognizing its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping missions across Africa. “Egypt continues to cement its position as a credible peace broker within the continent and beyond,” he said, noting Egypt’s six-decade-long experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Ramantswana highlighted the complexity of today’s global security environment, mentioning the threats posed by digital weaponization and misinformation and disinformation campaigns against peacekeeping efforts.

“Today’s celebrations emphasize the importance of preserving the current coordination between Egypt and South Africa,” said Ramantswana. He highlighted the necessity of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, such as humanitarian crises and digital threats. The Lieutenant General also expressed optimism about future collaborations between the Egyptian and South African armed forces. “We look forward to deepening our relations by finalizing the review process of our engagement in the near future,” he stated.

Egypt and South Africa share a rich history of diplomatic and military relations, often united by common goals for the stability and prosperity of Africa. From supporting anti-colonial struggles to working together in the African Union, the two nations have long championed efforts for development and peace. Both countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing transnational issues like terrorism and human trafficking.

As Colonel Abd El Raouf concluded, he called for unity amid global upheaval. “We must come together for our people's stability and prosperity,” he urged, hoping for peace and security. In his closing remarks, he praised President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of the Egyptian Armed Forces to protect the nation and support regional development.

The event served as a reminder of the critical role of defence partnerships in ensuring peace and stability across the continent, celebrating both past victories and the promise of stronger military cooperation between Egypt and South Africa.

(photo credits: Egypt Defence Office)