The recent scandal involving a plane from Egypt, detained in Zambia and laden with millions in cash, weapons, and purportedly counterfeit gold bars, has taken a new turn. Ahmed Qattan, a seasoned Saudi diplomat and current Minister for African Affairs, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama.
Sources suggest that the Egyptian government, in a bid to defuse the situation, leaned heavily on Qattan’s expertise and connections. His deep-rooted understanding of Egypt, its military, and the broader geopolitical landscape made him an invaluable asset in these delicate negotiations.
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia’s involvement didn’t stop at Qattan. Reports indicate that King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia sent a verbal message to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, further underscoring the depth of diplomatic ties and the importance of this issue to both nations.
While the official narrative focuses on strengthening bilateral relations, analysts can’t help but connect the dots between these diplomatic overtures and the detained plane. The question remains: What was so significant about this plane and its cargo that it warranted such high-level interventions?