On the 12th of February 2011, Hosni Mubarak stepped down as president of Egypt, after weeks of protest in Cairo and other cities. Hosni Mubarak ruled over Egypt for 30yrs but was consumed by the wave of popular protests and violence that swept through the Middle-East and North Africa, begining in late 2010 ( Arab Spring).
Following the removal from office of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt went through a fairly short transition programme that culminated in a democratic election that saw the coming to power of Egypt's first freely elected president, Mohammed Morsi, about a year ago (precisely on June 24, 2012)
Ironically, one year down the line, Egypt has gone full circle. The same popular protests that swept Hosni Mubarak out of power about 2yrs ago has now also swept Mohammed Morsi away. This same Mohammed Morsi and his party, the Muslim Brotherhood, have been in opposition for decades promising heaven on earth if allowed to rule.
So what has changed for Egypt? While Egypt is changing its leaders like wrapper, the problems of the country (spiralling economic crisis and shortages in fuel) have remained CONSTANT.
Was it even practicable for Mohammed Morsi and his team to solve all the problems in just about a year, even with the best of efforts and intentions? How will the next leader cope with this penchant for people to pour into the streets at the slightest unfulfilled expectations? Can Egypt make progress with this high level of flip-flops and unpredictability? Where is the place of planning, sustenance and consolidation?
What are the lessons from the experience in Egypt? For me, the popular sayings- 'all that glitters is not gold' and 'talk is cheap'- readily comes to mind.
Following the removal from office of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt went through a fairly short transition programme that culminated in a democratic election that saw the coming to power of Egypt's first freely elected president, Mohammed Morsi, about a year ago (precisely on June 24, 2012)
Ironically, one year down the line, Egypt has gone full circle. The same popular protests that swept Hosni Mubarak out of power about 2yrs ago has now also swept Mohammed Morsi away. This same Mohammed Morsi and his party, the Muslim Brotherhood, have been in opposition for decades promising heaven on earth if allowed to rule.
So what has changed for Egypt? While Egypt is changing its leaders like wrapper, the problems of the country (spiralling economic crisis and shortages in fuel) have remained CONSTANT.
Was it even practicable for Mohammed Morsi and his team to solve all the problems in just about a year, even with the best of efforts and intentions? How will the next leader cope with this penchant for people to pour into the streets at the slightest unfulfilled expectations? Can Egypt make progress with this high level of flip-flops and unpredictability? Where is the place of planning, sustenance and consolidation?
What are the lessons from the experience in Egypt? For me, the popular sayings- 'all that glitters is not gold' and 'talk is cheap'- readily comes to mind.