Egypt Orders All Pigs in the Country to be Slaughtered
By Jessica Desvarieux -Voice of America - Cairo
01 May 2009
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With growing concern over the H1N1 influenza A virus, or swine flu, the Egyptian government on Thursday ordered the slaughter of all of the nation's pigs. No cases of the virus have been confirmed in Egypt. And for the Coptic Christian families who make up the majority of Egypt's pig farmers, the slaughter threatens their livelihood.
Forty-two year old Iman Maleh followed in his father's footsteps and has been raising pigs for 25 years. He says that the government's decision to kill some 350,000 pigs due to concerns over swine flu will leave him with no way to support his family.
"What's our alternative," he asks, "What are we supposed to do? The authorities are not listening to us."
Maleh lives on the outskirts of Cairo where the majority of "Zebaleen" or garbage collectors call home. He lements that without his pig farm, he will be forced to shift through the refuse to make a living.
Amongst the heaps of empty cans and swarms of flies, farmers like Maleh raise pigs.
Government officials say that swine owners will be offered about $180 per pig in compensation.
Pig farmer Ibrahim Gabr says he hopes to receive that money.
He said no one knows where they will all go or how they will feed their families.
Because it is forbidden in Islam to consume pork, the majority of these farmers are Coptic Christians. And there has been criticism that the government's decision heavily affects this minority population.
Hundreds Protest Closed Egypt-Gaza Border
By Jessica Desvarieux - Cairo - Voice of America
03 January 2009
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood opposition group called for mass protests against the government's response to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza but police moved to quell street protests over the issue.
