Update on Egypt 4 July

Egypt's government has now been suspended and the Army will be taking control. Some people are refusing to call it a coup, but given that the definition of the military suspending a democratically elected government is called a coup, RPS can not see how it can really be seen as anything else.

The Chief of the armed forces in Egypt, Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, stated yesterday that the military was suspending the constitution and replacing President Mohammed Morsi with the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour.

In addition, al-Sisi stated that together with a new national coalition government, fresh presidential and parliamentary elections would soon be held. The date has not been mentioned yet.

Opposition groups, which have staged major countrywide anti-Mursi protests since 30 June, have welcomed the military measures; demonstrations by these groups are now expected to decrease as their primary demand, the removal of Morsi, has been met.

Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and its political arm and ruling party, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), have denounced the military measures and have labelled it a coup. These forces are expected to react strongly against the military decision in the near-term and extreme violence is likely.

The most likely reaction will be in the form of protests. Given these groups' organisational ability and widespread support, gatherings of tens of thousands of people are possible countrywide in the coming days. Likely gathering points remain existing protest areas, such as Cairo University in Giza and Nasr City in the capital, Cairo.

Gatherings in other cities and town centres, public squares, near government and security force facilities and mosques are also possible countrywide.

As RPS has already advised, it is not recommended for foreigners to go to watch the protests as there has been aggression shown towards women and sexual assualts and rapes have been carried out in the crowds and side streets where protests have taken place. Some foreigners have been turned on whilst taking pictures and this has reportedly led to the death of one American.

All travellers should remember that political tensions are currently increased and emotions running high in the country. The threat of violence between pro Morsi and anti Morsi supporters or sympathisers remains likely.

RPS Partnership recommends that anyone planning to travel to Egypt defers their travel until at least the 8 July. The Red Sea and South Sinai coastal resort towns are unlikely to be affected.

If you require further advice or assistance then please contact [email protected]

Source: Red24

Photo:indiatvnews