Egypt stunned us all. It was as perfect as a modern revolution can be. Through sheer numbers, largely peaceful demonstrators thronged to Tahrir Square, often in pitched battle with Hosni Mubarak’s security services. Some died. Some disappeared. But by and large, the people won it through their sheer volume and presence on the streets.
They were not violent, and they camped for weeks on end, eventually forcing then President Hosni Mubarak, out of office. The Egyptian Army, once respected by its people, took no sides. If anything, the army tried to stop the security forces from beating on protesters. So what has gone wrong?
The Egyptian military leaders are terrified of the prospect of the Muslim Brotherhood getting into power through free democratic elections. And the people of Egypt know this. They are accusing the military government of attempting to cling to power, hence the reason for re-occupying Tahrir Square. But it has turned ugly. Egypt’s Health Ministry said yesterday that the death toll had now reached 20 and some 1,750 people have been injured. It is, however, a confusing situation. The elections are due to be held next week, but people are worried.
Demonstrators say they fear Egypt’s governing Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is trying to retain its grip on power. The council, led by Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, will oversee the country’s transition to democracy after three decades of autocratic rule under Mr Mubarak.
The council had promised elections within six months of Mr Mubarak’s departure, and it is now 10 months since then. With elections next week, one cannot help but feel that the protests might have been premature.
Meanwhile, Egyptian state television said a truce had been agreed between the security forces and the imam of Tahrir Square’s main mosque, but it did not apply to streets leading to the Interior Ministry where much of the fighting has been taking place. The feeling, however, is spreading and violence also took place in other cities over the weekend, including Alexandria, Suez and Aswan.
Meanwhile, the demands of the protesters have changed over the course of the weekend. Crowds had gathered on last week to urge the military to set a date for the handover of power. But that has since changed and they want the military leaders to resign immediately.
The military council, however, has also issued a statement saying that elections, due to begin in a week, would go ahead, and praised the “restraint” of Interior Ministry forces against protesters.
On the other hand, Islamists and young activists continue to demonstrate against a draft constitution that they believe would allow the military to retain too much power after a new civilian government is elected.
One such example being cited by the protesters is the fact that under the proposed new constitution, the military and its budget could be exempted from civilian oversight.
It is clear that this revolution, which began in such a promising manner, has stalled. The people do not trust the military, and in turn, the military does not trust the people. The two sides must meet half way. In continuing the cycle of distrust, Egypt will walk the path of Mubarak’s legacy. This country deserves better, as do its people and the military which allowed Mubarak’s ouster to happen.