A protester holds up a banner in front of a line of riot police in downtown Cairo.
The Arab Spring was a wave of pro-democracy uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa starting in late 2010. Triggered by widespread dissatisfaction with oppressive governments, economic hardships, and a desire for greater political freedoms, the movement led to significant political changes in several countries, including Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. In Egypt, the Arab Spring ignited a revolution against President Hosni Mubarak’s nearly 30-year regime, as millions of Egyptians took to the streets to protest government corruption, social inequality, and political repression.
For nearly 30 years, President Hosni Mubarak's regime in Egypt was marked by stark wealth gaps, political repression, and growing societal divisions. During this time, the nation's unity unraveled as Muslims and native Copts found themselves increasingly at odds. The gap between the country's rich and poor grew wider, creating a sense of alienation among large sections of the population.
Political expression was heavily restricted. Dissident leaders were routinely arrested, and any form of political opposition was met with harsh consequences. Suspected election fraud in 2010 further deepened the mistrust between the people and the government.
Egypt’s youth bore much of the burden under Mubarak's rule. At least 90% of the unemployed in Egypt were young people, a demographic that struggled with an education system ill-suited to prepare them for the labor force. Many young Egyptians found themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and unemployment due to a lack of opportunity.
The issue of illiteracy was particularly significant among females, with two-thirds of Egypt’s illiterate youth being young women. This educational gap deepened the cycle of inequality and economic stagnation, leaving generations without the skills or opportunities needed to improve their circumstances.
What started as protests over police brutality on January 25—a national holiday commemorating Egypt's police force—quickly spiraled into a nationwide call for the end of Mubarak's nearly three-decade reign. Demonstrators took to the streets of Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez, where they clashed with police who responded with tear gas and water cannons. These initial protests sparked a wave of unrest that would reshape Egypt’s future.
On January 28, as a new round of protests was planned, Egypt’s government shut down internet and mobile services across the country, attempting to stifle communication and organization. Yet, this did little to stop the masses. Thousands of police were dispatched to contain the protesters, but the resistance only grew stronger.
By January 31, the number of demonstrators swelled to a quarter of a million in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square, defying the government’s military-imposed curfew. In Alexandria, hundreds also marched in defiance. Mubarak responded by naming a new cabinet in an attempt to quell the growing dissent, but it was too little, too late.
The clashes reached a violent peak on February 2 when pro-Mubarak supporters entered Tahrir Square with the military’s permission. By the end of the day, more than 1,500 people were injured, and at least three had lost their lives.
Despite the violence, the resolve of the Egyptian people remained unbroken. On February 4, hundreds of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered again for what was dubbed the "Day of Departure," demanding Mubarak's immediate resignation.
Mubarak, however, clung to power. On February 10, he gave a televised address in which he promised not to run in the upcoming presidential election, yet insisted he would stay in office until September to ensure a peaceful transition. His speech only inflamed protesters further, who waved their shoes in the air—a powerful gesture of defiance in Arab culture.
Finally, on February 11, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced that Mubarak had resigned, handing power to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. The end of Mubarak's regime marked the beginning of a new era for Egypt, though it came with its own set of challenges.
Egyptians celebrate Mubarak's resignation.
In the wake of Mubarak’s resignation, Egypt's Minister of Defense, Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, imposed martial law, suspending the constitution. The military took control in an attempt to restore order and prevent further chaos. However, unrest continued as thousands of workers held demonstrations calling for higher wages and better working conditions. The revolution may have ended Mubarak’s rule, but it did not solve the deeper social and economic issues that had plagued the country for decades.
While Mubarak's regime is long gone, the challenges facing the Egyptian people remain significant in 2024. Nearly 30% of the population still lives below the poverty line, with 14% suffering from food insecurity. However, there are organizations actively working to support those in need. For example, Doctors Without Borders runs clinics in Cairo, providing both medical and mental health support to victims of violence and underserved communities. Additionally, the World Food Programme offers monthly cash assistance to refugees and other crisis-affected populations in Egypt, helping to address the widespread issue of food insecurity.
Supporting these organizations and staying informed are vital steps in helping Egyptians build a better future. Click on the links below to donate.
Works Cited
“Egypt - Mubarak, Politics, Revolution.” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt/The-Mubarak-regime. Accessed 2 November 2024.
“Egypt | Our Work & How to Help.” Doctors Without Borders, https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/egypt. Accessed 2 November 2024.
“Egypt | World Food Programme.” WFP, https://www.wfp.org/countries/egypt. Accessed 2 November 2024.
“What happened during Egypt’s January 25 revolution? | News.” Al Jazeera, 25 January 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/25/what-happened-during-egypts-january-25-revolution. Accessed 2 November 2024.
“Youth Revolt in Egypt, a Country at the Turning Point.” Population Reference Bureau, 18 February 2011, https://www.prb.org/resources/youth-revolt-in-egypt-a-country-at-the-turning-point/. Accessed 2 November 2024.
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