By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
CAIRO, Egypt – On Friday, 18 November, tens of thousands of Islamists and young activists gathered at Tahrir Square to protest Egypt’s ruling Supreme Council of Armed Forces’ (SCAF) attempt to grant themselves special powers for a future elected government. The SCAF has ruled the country since Mubarak’s fall in February, but many Egyptians fear the military wants to ingrain its power after the elections that take place in ten days.
The rally, called “Friday of One Demand,” rested on the principle that the military should end their rule with a swift transfer of power to the elected president by April 2012. This demonstration has been the largest since the 18-day revolt that spurred Mubarak’s fall.
The demonstrators in Cairo and Alexandria demanded the SCAF remove their proposed constitutional change to declare the military the guardian of “constitutional legitimacy”. Critics suggest this wording implies the military could strongly influence major policies once Egypt elects a new president. The SCAF also introduced constitutional clauses to limit civilian oversight of the military.
The SCAF promised to end its rule that began when Mubarak fell on 11 February after a six-month transitional period. During their tenure, the SCAF has maintained a security vacuum, tried civilians in military court, and ignored the people’s demands from the January 25 Revolution while the national economy deteriorated.
Although both liberals and conservatives are vying for votes, both sides stand against the military. The election victors will draft the new constitution to define post-revolutionary Egypt.
The demonstration population includes conservative Islamists from the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice party, their hardline Islamic Salafi rivals from several political parties, and young protesters who relied on social networking to lead the previous protests.
Social studies teacher Nahed Skukri commented that the diversity of ages, classes, and allegiances reminded her of Egyptian unity against Mubarak. She said, “We are unified against people who try to take advantage of use. . . . The [SCAF] is taking advantage of us now, and now we are regrouping. I can see that we are one today.”
The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s most organized political group expected to fare well in the elections, has dodged confrontation with the SCAF. However, the Brotherhood warned the SCAF if it does not withdrawal its proposed constitutional powers, the protests would increase.
28-year-old Brotherhood member Hani Hegazi commented, “The army as no role in ruling people. . . . Its only job is to protect the country. We want civilian rule chosen through democracy.”
For more information, please see:
Ahram Online – Islamists Dominate Egypt’s Tahrir Square’s Dense Friday Protest – 18 Nov 2011
BBC – Egypt: Thousands Protest in Cairo Against Military – 18 Nov 2011
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Egypt’s Islamists Confront Military, Vie For Votes – 18 Nov 2011
The Washington Post – In Egypt, Crowds Urge End to Military Rule – 18 Nov 2011
