Egypt: Protesters say revolution must continue

Joseph Daher
February 5, 2012
Issue 
909
World
Protesters pack out Tahrir Aquare, one year on from the start of the rising that overthrew Hosni Mubarak.

The streets of Cairo were full of protesters on January 27, two days after the first anniversary of the beginning of the revolution on January 25 last.

The day was called “Friday of Pride and Dignity". The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) was again defeated by the huge participation of Egyptians in the demonstrations.

The protesters' slogans and chants demanded the overthrow of SCAF and direct transition of powers to the parliament. The attempts by SCAF to transform the anniversary of the anti-Mubarak uprising into celebrations were a failure.

In Tahrir Square, as the various marches from across the city arrived, the main slogans were directed against SCAF.

The atmosphere started to change when officials of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) began their speeches and became the target of a large section of the protesters.

The ambiguous position of the MB towards the SCAF over the past few months, and its acceptance of delays in the transfer of power from SCAF to parliament, are the main causes of the protesters' anger towards them.

Protesters threw bottles and raised their shoes in the air against MB representatives on stage. Protesters sang chants asking them to leave and accusing them of being liars.

One year after the "Friday of Rage", when Mubarak's security forces fired on protesters who had marched into Tahrir on February 2 last, killing and wounding hundreds, Egyptians are back in the streets of Cairo ― not to celebrate the revolution but to demand it continue.

The blood of the martyrs must not have been shed in vain, the protesters repeated.
The message of the Egyptians is clear: SCAF must be overthrown, power must be transferred to the parliament and the people.

It's clear that the protesters of Tahrir will accept nothing less and the ambiguous position of the MB towards the demands of the revolutionaries of Tahrir has been condemned by them.

The MB might not be welcome anymore in Tahrir if they continue to ignore the demands of the streets.

The Egyptian revolution is definitely back on track after the latest round of successful mass mobilisations.

[Abridged from Counter Fire.]

Democracy
Egypt

Comments

Anonymous replied on

Indeed the revolution is not over and we are proud that it is still going strong today. However, internally the crowds are divided and not necessarily marching to the same beat. The sudden demonization of the Muslim Brotherhood is to a great extent a symptom of its own success and the general fear that it will leave little space for other voices. I have recently put out an independent publication that weaves together ten stories of Egyptians from all walks of life and political affiliations to shed some light on how the elements of the revolution came together. I interviewed the Muslim Brotherhood, "6th of April" Youth Opposition Group, Dr. El Baradei's campaign manager and more and found that the original players of the initial 18 days of protests are not the the same as the people on the ground today. Please take the time to look into efforts like mine (a fund raising publication with 50% going to developmental projects in Egypt) and support and learn more from the Egyptians firsthand. For more info: www.risingfromtahrir.com

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