The north of Africa is a region that is rich in culture, history and traditions, many of which have intermingled with our own history throughout the centuries. With Malta being the bridge between the old world and this vast continent it is natural the political situation that has unfolded recently in Egypt and Tunisia interests us directly, especially in view of the cordial relations that have existed between our peoples throughout the years.

The uprising of the Tunisians, which eventually triggered the quasi bloodless revolt in Egypt, sent a clear message to all the other existing dictatorships that their days are counted and that in the end democracy will prevail. The 10 million Tunisians and the 80 million Egyptians that filled the streets of Tunis and Cairo respectively all showed one common desire, that of living as free citizens with the opportunity to grow both economically and socially in a peaceful environment.

I personally think the courage the Tunisians and the Egyptians showed in their protests will now spread like wildfire across the borders of the other North African countries as we can already see in Algeria and in Yemen. These Arab states have been demonised far too much for too long, especially after the attacks on the Twin Towers and many sections of the media have portrayed all Arabs as terrorists. However, these uprisings have shown us the majority of these peoples are peace loving and all they seek is a future for themselves and their children without having to cross the Mediterranean, many times at a huge risk in a bid to find a better life in Europe away from their homeland.

As Europeans, I feel it is our duty now to help these countries to reintegrate themselves in the political sphere as free and democratic nations. We have spoken for hours and written whole volumes on how important stability in North Africa is for Europe and I think now is the right time to put words into action and offer our expertise and, if need be, our euros to help rebuild two countries (and possibly more) that have been reborn. At the same time, I hope this will not be a case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire and the citizens of these nations have to choose their new leaders wisely.

North Africa is a region that has great potential and we have to give them the time and the chance to readjust themselves. The late Guido de Marco always referred to the situation in this region as a bomb with an ever shortening fuse. Now that the bomb has exploded, we have to be careful that freedom will not degenerate in anarchy. I am sure, however, the North African people will be ready to face the challenges ahead and will safeguard their hard-earned liberty. Needless to say, this situation will also have its repercussions, mainly where the production of oil is concerned. It is part of the price the international community has to pay but I am of the opinion that once the situation is under control everything will stabilise itself.

While welcoming the transition to democracy in Egypt and Tunisia we now have to wait and see what will happen in the other North African countries. Let us hope that whatever happens there will be no loss of innocent lives and that the remaining dictators will have the common sense to step aside when their peoples show them clearly they are not wanted anymore. Every man was born free and has the right to live as such. Quoting Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit” and I think we all agree it is our duty to help those who seek it in all possible ways.

The author is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.