Egypt’s unyielding pursuit of freedom and justice
By Hamid Elnaggar
Nov/Dec 2023
A decade has now passed since Egypt bore witness to one of the largest massacres in recent human history — a dark day that stained the world’s conscience forever.
As an exiled academic deeply intertwined with post-revolution Egypt, I have borne witness firsthand to the devastating consequences of this gross violation of basic human rights, freedom, and democracy. That tragic event’s aftermath has left hundreds of thousands of us impacted, with many still languishing in prison under inhumane conditions. The human price that was paid and continues to be paid is beyond comprehension, and yet, we, the resilient Egyptians, have not — and will not — give up.
But first, how did all this all begin?
In 2011-13, Egyptians were making slow strides toward establishing a civilian democratic alternative, poised to mark a pivotal moment in the Arab world’s relation with the West. Across the Arab world, there was a palpable readiness to shed the remnants of colonialism and transcend the perceived inferiority complex that had long characterized these relationships.
However, its universal celebration necessitated a reciprocal transformation on the other side — a willingness among the former colonizers and their partners to relinquish their deep-seated superiority complex and abandon their ingrained Islamophobic stance. Unfortunately, at that critical juncture, the Obama administration, rather than championing the cause of democracy, effectively provided a tacit endorsement of the Egyptian military’s actions, granting a “green light to overthrow the country’s first-ever democratically elected government.” This trend continued under President Biden, who had pledged during his election campaign not to provide “Blank Checks for Trump’s favorite dictator” (Foreign Policy, July 3, 2023) referring to General Abdel Fattah el Sisi. Regrettably, this promise remains unfulfilled and Egyptians continue to suffer.
The marginalization of Egypt’s civilian democratic aspirations stands contrary to Washington’s strategic interests. The Biden administration’s apparent indifference presents a disheartening impediment to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Egypt. While the allure of profitable American investments in this central nation is understandable, these investments will remain perpetually exposed to significant risks and danger as long as democracy is not embraced and aid is not made conditional. Egyptian Americans appreciate the importance of fostering and expanding economic relations between our two countries. However, the current American administration needs to take substantial steps to ensure Egypt’s return to the path of civilian democracy.
It is not lost on me that Egypt now “enjoys” its worst economic condition ever, due to the regime’s political oppression and lack of accountability. For too long this reality has been normalized in order to place democracy on the back burner in the name of security and stability. And yet Egypt remains far from stable and secure. The pain and suffering have become deeply entrenched in our daily lives, forcing ordinary people to forego essential commodities like meat and eggs due to unaffordability. The spark of democracy that was kindled during the Jan. 25, 2011, revolution had been, many thought, brutally extinguished, along with the lives of hundreds of Egyptians.
Hopeful but not Naive
Egyptians remain deeply impacted, collectively dealing with profound trauma that shadows our day-to-day existence. The scars run deep, and the memories of that fateful day continue to haunt us. Yet, amid the darkness, the flicker of hope remains undiminished. Egyptians in exile and even those who remain in the country are tirelessly working to heal and rebuild our nation in our own ways. I’m often asked how I still have hope, and I always respond: because it is my best option (Human Rights Watch, Aug. 2014).
In the face of Gen. Sisi’s brutally oppressive regime, many Egyptians have fled abroad to find safety and solace. Even from afar, they retain their dreams of freedom and justice for Egypt. Their voices echo across international borders, drawing attention to the plight of those still trapped within Egypt’s borders.
Brave souls both in and outside of the country’s prisons continue to resist the shackles of tyranny. Their lives and freedoms are constantly at risk, and it is our — the free citizens of the world’s — collective responsibility to advocate for justice and democracy. Still today, I am taken aback when I hear of their unwavering commitment to freedom that lives on to today. So many different iterations and approaches, yet all with the common denominator born in Tahrir Square over a decade ago.
If I’ve learned anything in my years of studying and teaching evolving civilizations, I know that the road to freedom is far from easy. The struggle for justice inevitability faces numerous and often extreme challenges, especially with authoritarian governments relentlessly tightening their grip on power. Basic human rights are trampled upon, dissent is silenced, and opposition voices are suppressed. The international community must not turn a blind eye to these abuses and must hold the Egyptian regime accountable for its oppressive actions.
The global community is obligated to support the Egyptian people’s aspirations for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Diplomatic pressure should be applied to ensure the release of the 60,000+ unjustly detained political prisoners. We cannot allow for this absurdity to continue.
It never ceases to amaze me how many world leaders are so ready to normalize and turn a blind eye to the gross human right violations uncovered day by day. Egyptians need to remain committed to working with all domestic, regional, and international stakeholders to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in their country. Together, we can create a future in which the rights and dignity of each Egyptian are protected and respected.
Moreover, it is crucial for Egypt’s allies and international partners to prioritize human rights and democracy in their dealings with the nation. Economic interests shouldn’t come at the expense of basic freedoms and human dignity. Support should be offered to civil society organizations and independent media, as they play a vital role in advocating for accountability and transparency.
As we reflect upon the past ten years, we must acknowledge the pain and suffering that so many continue to endure. I am hopeful but not naïve, for change will only come with collective and united force against injustice. The blood of the Egyptians killed for wanting freedom stained the world. We can’t let their lives be in vain. The world acknowledges that Sisi’s military government has committed the worst human rights abuses in modern Egypt (https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/n-africa/egypt).
The human price paid in my country’s pursuit of freedom and democracy has been immeasurable. The scars of the past remain fresh, and the challenges ahead are daunting. Only through collective efforts and unwavering global support can we Egyptians envision a brighter future. And we remember that seeds sprout into seedlings that develop into vibrant green trees.
The work has only just begun.
A decade has now passed since Egypt bore witness to one of the largest massacres in recent human history — a dark day that stained the world’s conscience forever.
As an exiled academic deeply intertwined with post-revolution Egypt, I have borne witness firsthand to the devastating consequences of this gross violation of basic human rights, freedom, and democracy. That tragic event’s aftermath has left hundreds of thousands of us impacted, with many still languishing in prison under inhumane conditions. The human price that was paid and continues to be paid is beyond comprehension, and yet, we, the resilient Egyptians, have not — and will not — give up.
But first, how did all this all begin?
In 2011-13, Egyptians were making slow strides toward establishing a civilian democratic alternative, poised to mark a pivotal moment in the Arab world’s relation with the West. Across the Arab world, there was a palpable readiness to shed the remnants of colonialism and transcend the perceived inferiority complex that had long characterized these relationships.
However, its universal celebration necessitated a reciprocal transformation on the other side — a willingness among the former colonizers and their partners to relinquish their deep-seated superiority complex and abandon their ingrained Islamophobic stance. Unfortunately, at that critical juncture, the Obama administration, rather than championing the cause of democracy, effectively provided a tacit endorsement of the Egyptian military’s actions, granting a “green light to overthrow the country’s first-ever democratically elected government.” This trend continued under President Biden, who had pledged during his election campaign not to provide “Blank Checks for Trump’s favorite dictator” (Foreign Policy, July 3, 2023) referring to General Abdel Fattah el Sisi. Regrettably, this promise remains unfulfilled and Egyptians continue to suffer.
The marginalization of Egypt’s civilian democratic aspirations stands contrary to Washington’s strategic interests. The Biden administration’s apparent indifference presents a disheartening impediment to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Egypt. While the allure of profitable American investments in this central nation is understandable, these investments will remain perpetually exposed to significant risks and danger as long as democracy is not embraced and aid is not made conditional. Egyptian Americans appreciate the importance of fostering and expanding economic relations between our two countries. However, the current American administration needs to take substantial steps to ensure Egypt’s return to the path of civilian democracy.
It is not lost on me that Egypt now “enjoys” its worst economic condition ever, due to the regime’s political oppression and lack of accountability. For too long this reality has been normalized in order to place democracy on the back burner in the name of security and stability. And yet Egypt remains far from stable and secure. The pain and suffering have become deeply entrenched in our daily lives, forcing ordinary people to forego essential commodities like meat and eggs due to unaffordability. The spark of democracy that was kindled during the Jan. 25, 2011, revolution had been, many thought, brutally extinguished, along with the lives of hundreds of Egyptians.
Hopeful but not Naive
Egyptians remain deeply impacted, collectively dealing with profound trauma that shadows our day-to-day existence. The scars run deep, and the memories of that fateful day continue to haunt us. Yet, amid the darkness, the flicker of hope remains undiminished. Egyptians in exile and even those who remain in the country are tirelessly working to heal and rebuild our nation in our own ways. I’m often asked how I still have hope, and I always respond: because it is my best option (Human Rights Watch, Aug. 2014).
In the face of Gen. Sisi’s brutally oppressive regime, many Egyptians have fled abroad to find safety and solace. Even from afar, they retain their dreams of freedom and justice for Egypt. Their voices echo across international borders, drawing attention to the plight of those still trapped within Egypt’s borders.
Brave souls both in and outside of the country’s prisons continue to resist the shackles of tyranny. Their lives and freedoms are constantly at risk, and it is our — the free citizens of the world’s — collective responsibility to advocate for justice and democracy. Still today, I am taken aback when I hear of their unwavering commitment to freedom that lives on to today. So many different iterations and approaches, yet all with the common denominator born in Tahrir Square over a decade ago.
If I’ve learned anything in my years of studying and teaching evolving civilizations, I know that the road to freedom is far from easy. The struggle for justice inevitability faces numerous and often extreme challenges, especially with authoritarian governments relentlessly tightening their grip on power. Basic human rights are trampled upon, dissent is silenced, and opposition voices are suppressed. The international community must not turn a blind eye to these abuses and must hold the Egyptian regime accountable for its oppressive actions.
The global community is obligated to support the Egyptian people’s aspirations for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Diplomatic pressure should be applied to ensure the release of the 60,000+ unjustly detained political prisoners. We cannot allow for this absurdity to continue.
It never ceases to amaze me how many world leaders are so ready to normalize and turn a blind eye to the gross human right violations uncovered day by day. Egyptians need to remain committed to working with all domestic, regional, and international stakeholders to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in their country. Together, we can create a future in which the rights and dignity of each Egyptian are protected and respected.
Moreover, it is crucial for Egypt’s allies and international partners to prioritize human rights and democracy in their dealings with the nation. Economic interests shouldn’t come at the expense of basic freedoms and human dignity. Support should be offered to civil society organizations and independent media, as they play a vital role in advocating for accountability and transparency.
As we reflect upon the past ten years, we must acknowledge the pain and suffering that so many continue to endure. I am hopeful but not naïve, for change will only come with collective and united force against injustice. The blood of the Egyptians killed for wanting freedom stained the world. We can’t let their lives be in vain. The world acknowledges that Sisi’s military government has committed the worst human rights abuses in modern Egypt (https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/n-africa/egypt).
The human price paid in my country’s pursuit of freedom and democracy has been immeasurable. The scars of the past remain fresh, and the challenges ahead are daunting. Only through collective efforts and unwavering global support can we Egyptians envision a brighter future. And we remember that seeds sprout into seedlings that develop into vibrant green trees.
The work has only just begun.
Prof. Hamid Elnaggar is an academic.
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