Siwa Oasis, Egypt – Prominent Amazigh human rights activist Amani El-Weshahi has taken legal action following what she describes as ongoing harassment by the Pan-Arab movement. The complaint specifically targets Omar Ragah, who has publicly claimed to represent Egypt’s Amazigh community despite lacking both linguistic and ancestral ties to the Siwa tribes.
El-Weshahi, a well-known advocate for Amazigh rights and cultural preservation in Egypt, emphasized that misrepresentation of the Amazigh people undermines their authentic voices and identity. “The Amazigh community in Egypt has a rich history and culture that must be defended by those who truly belong to it,” she said.
Several Siwa tribal elders have expressed their support for El-Weshahi’s complaint, reinforcing the view that legitimate representation of the Amazigh people cannot be assumed by outsiders with no genuine connection to the community.
The legal complaint now rests with the Egyptian Public Prosecution, highlighting growing tensions around the representation and rights of Amazigh communities in Egypt. Observers say the case underscores broader debates about cultural identity, legitimacy, and the struggle against harassment and misrepresentation within minority communities.
El-Weshahi’s action has drawn attention from both local and international human rights organizations, who see it as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard indigenous and minority voices in North Africa.