New Egyptian gallantry medal for counterterrorist operations

[ChrisW]

The Egyptian military and police forces have been heavily engaged in domestic counterterrorism operations since the 2011 revolution, and in July 2014 officially declared their own "war on terrorism." Probably over 2,000 soldiers and policemen have been killed, and thousands more wounded, since then, along with many civilians.

But the Egyptian Armed Forces have not awarded any conventional gallantry medals for these operations, nor have they awarded either of their two decorations for being wounded in action (a red-diamond shaped badge and the Medal for War Wounded). They have commemorated some soldiers in other ways, using certificates, plaque-style awards, monetary gifts, etc. The reasons are unknown but probably are due at least in part to the Egyptian government not considering their counterterrorism operations as a major armed conflict but an internal fight. (The rhetoric and politics of Egypt's "war on terrorism" are outside the scope of this forum....)

However, that seems to have recently changed.

According to a new law published last week in the Official Gazette, and noted in an article by one of the very few independent Egyptian news outlets left, The law established a medal called “Long Live Egypt” to honor military and police personnel as well as civilians who “display acts of bravery and sacrifice in the face of terrorist operations.” Winners of the first degree medal will be entitled to a monthly reward of LE2,000, and runner ups will be awarded LE1,000 monthly.

(source: https://www.madamasr.com/en/2018/03/15/news/politics/egypt-imposes-taxation-fund-to-honor-martyrs-finance-compensation-scheme-for-victims-families/)

No further details on what the medal looks like, when it might be awarded, etc....

[oamotme]

Chris, Thanks for the update - I tried the Arabic internet with various translations but so far no success - I'll persevere! Owain

[ChrisW]

Thanks, Owain! I've also done some searching in Arabic without luck either. The Official Gazette unfortunately isn't available online, as far as I can tell. Perseverance, and luck, is the order of the day when researching Arab awards.

Chris

[ChrisW]

A quick update:

On 6 May the Armed Forces spokesman posted on their Facebook page an announcment for what seems to be a design competition for this medal.  Facebook's translation, below, isn't the best, but it seems to be a coin-type medal rather than a wearable one.

 

 

 

[oamotme]

Chris,

Thanks - I put the Arabic through Google translate and below is the result. the two "blue" words need a more accurate translation.

Owain

The official page of the military spokesman of the armed forces

 May 6, 7:16 AM

The armed forces announce a competition to design a commemorative medal to commemorate the counter-terrorism tournaments

 In recognition of the heroism of the armed forces and the police from the championships and sacrifices to eliminate terrorism and secure the state borders on all strategic directions, the Department of Moral Affairs organizes a competition to design a bronze commemorative medal to commemorate the heroes of the military operations being carried out to combat terrorism and extremism

The designs are required to be presented in two forms (linear - three-dimensional), but diameter should not exceed 5 cm. It explains all the details used in the design, and allows the inclusion of words such as Egypt fighting terrorism,

The work is done on a CD containing a design from all sides (front and back), accompanied by an explanation of all the symbols and elements used. The applicant must attach the CV and previous works, if any, and the participating works shall be received no later than (15) days from The date of the announcement of the competition and not paying attention to the works submitted after this date, the winning and distinguished works shall receive the financial prizes and certificates of appreciation. The work shall be delivered by hand to the Department of Moral Affairs. 11- Al Oroba Street, Heliopolis, Cairo. Competitions costume Rh "Ministry of Defense official site" on the web www.mod.gov.eg