Column: My Small Voice

Egypt: The revolution that may never end
By Hakeem Babalola

Photograph: Khaled Abdullah/Reuters

Egypt has added a new word to the system of governance when the elected president, Morsi was removed in what appears to the first of its kind. It all started when people gathered in Tahrir (Liberation) Square, saying Mr. Morsi has failed the revolution they gallantly fought for in 2011 when the then strongman, Mr. Hosein Mubarak was effectively removed by the people’s will.

The people of Egypt once again trooped out en mass to display their disappointment which immediately led to anger against Mr. Morsi whose party – the Muslim Brotherhood won the election in 2012. 

Millions of Egyptians wanted Mr. Morsi and his Muslim brotherhood out of governance. To this group of Egyptians, Mr. Morsi has betrayed their trust – of revolution. Among other things, Mr. Morsi was accused of representing the interest of his Muslim brotherhood party at the expense of the Egyptians, who fought for the revolution that in turn benefitted him and his party. 

 

Mr. Morsi was re-writing the constitution to suit an inordinate ambition, which according to his critics, could lead to a dictatorship agenda. He and his party believe the people should wait to express their feelings until the next election when votes would decide the fate.

 

Indignantly, the people rejected such opinion, and instead called for his immediate resignation or else!

Meanwhile the military had been waiting to strike. Just like they did against Mubarak! The military issued public statement, saying it would side with the people. It therefore gave Morsi and his cabinets 48 hrs to leave the executive office. Morsi of course, called the bluff. After 48 hours ultimate by the military, the army struck. And an elected President was cleverly removed – without shedding blood. Well, that aspect of blood shedding cannot be completely ruled out in cases like this. Sooner than later, blood would be shed as many protesters died.

Anyway, Egyptians in favour of kicking out Morsi celebrated once again. However, it did not end there.

The humiliated Muslim Brotherhood mobilised support and so, their supporters also took to the street. You cannot by any means other than vote, topple an elected government, they protested/are protesting. The Muslim Brotherhood has vowed to continue protesting until Morsi is re-instated. How this is achievable is beyond imagination. And this is where I foresee challenges; even troubles.  

 

Even the big brother in the West is unable to find a name for this kind of power change. The main big brother in the West is probably as confused as anyone. Military coup? Civilian coup? Mili-civilian coup? Revolution? Counter revolution? Revolution counter? No one knows the name to call it. It is too unsure to call a spade a spade. 

As I write, both supporters and opponents of Morsi are still protesting. It thus brings more questions than answers. 

What happens next? What kind of revolution is this? Who is going to win? What would the end be for the country in the river Nile? Whose wisdom will bring solution, justice, peace to Egypt? Questions and questions but no answer!

Who is right and who is wrong? Is it right for the people to topple an elected government? Who is even talking about right or wrong? What is right or what is wrong? Who is talking about what is right and what is wrong? Who is fighting for the emancipation of the people? Who are the pretenders?

Questions and questions! Who is going to solve this puzzle – genuinely? Who is going to offer knowledge and wisdom to bring reconciliation, truth and peace? 

Is the Muslim Brotherhood going to be included in the transition? Are they going to participate? And again what happens if the Brotherhood party wins – again? Is the deposed president would be allowed to contest – again?

If Morsi participates and wins – again, is he going to relent on some of the policies that led people to strike against him? 

Though there seems to be no answer. However, lessons must be learnt from this limbo-imbroglio (my word) that currently pervades Pharaoh’s country.

People of Egypt are still in revolt mood and they are ready to remain in this mood until the factors that brought Mubarak demise are permanently corrected or eradicated. 

As for the army of River Nile, this group is still nursing grudge, so this elite group is not ready to forgive and forget so soon. Remember that the army also helped topple Mubarak. This group will forever position itself for relevance in Egyptian politics in many years to come until probably the people can do it on their own.

Muslim Brotherhood that formed the past government is insensitive. The government of Morsi failed to understand both the people and the army. Or rather it miscalculated. Or rather thought the people would prefer any form of government other than Mubarak’s. 

Who then is wise? The people who took to the street to demand Morsi’s resignation? The army who said it was with the people, and thus helped kick out Morsi? Or is it Morsi’s supporters who are indignantly calling for his re-instatement? 

My take: This is one revolution that may continue until eternity.