In Pictures

Gallery|Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

In Pictures: Tension and uncertainty in Egypt

Wary Egyptians face a stalled economy, civil rights violations and a tourism industry attempting to rebuild.

Walking past the long columns of barbed wire has become routine for many Egyptians who look to former military commander and newly elected President Abdel Fattah el- Sisi to provide stability above all else.
By Sam Koebrich
Published On 16 Jun 2014

Cairo, Egypt – After three years of violent protests, tension is still felt across Cairo between protesters supporting newly elected president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and those who do not.

Just days before Sisi’s inauguration, a group of pro-Sisi supporters holding placards and flags in Tahrir Square seemed to have the blessing of security forces, while anti-Sisi protesters were hesitant to gather en masse. Strategic locations like metro stations, government buildings and universities had visible security presence established outside – men in black body armour and helmets were holding Kalashnikovs or long rifles. Security forces in other locations were more discreet. Behind a wall of the Egyptian Museum were several armoured vehicles with mounted machine guns, ready to quickly mobilise should the need arise.

This presence is not unknown to Egyptians. While some continue to protest and organise against Sisi, others have given up on politics.

Cairo residents continue with their lives but moving forward is proving difficult for many: A stalled economy, rampant civil rights violations and an absence of tourism have left many uneasy about their future.

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While some Egyptians view Sisi as a promise for stability, others simply see him as the only option available. The following photos were taken during the week of Sisi’s inauguration and capture the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty surrounding Egypt’s future.

Dedicated to the protesters who took action against former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and deposed President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, the military government erected a statue in the centre of Tahrir square in November 2013. It was destroyed by protesters the same day it was installed.
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Tahrir Square is beginning to return to normalcy compared to its state during the popular uprisings of the last three years. But the underground metro station remains closed, and security forces around the square have kept the area clear except for a handful of Sisi supporters.
During the day Tahrir Square was a popular place for children to run and play. At night, lawn chairs and fireworks were brought out by a few hundred people as Sisi(***)s victory was celebrated.
Anti-Morsi posters and banners adorn many street corners and shop fronts. However, most were stripped as Egypt tries to forget the volatile political grappling between Muslim Brotherhood and Sisi supporters.
Parts of Giza, the neighbourhood west of the Nile, are in near decrepit conditions. Poverty is immediately evident. Years of violence have caused Egyptians to become wary of any promises made to them.
With sporadic protests and violence from security forces still occurring, the country has yet to regain the trust of tourists.
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The US, UK and Germany have all issued extensive travel advisories against Egypt and the lack of foreign visitors, particularly Westerners, shows that the world is still wary of visiting Egypt.
A small group of tourists poses for a photo near the great sphinx. The usually crowded viewing platform is now mostly empty.
Phrases like (***)Down with the military rule,(***) (***)I am the revolution(***) and (***)The interior ministry hasn(***)t changed,(***) stand out among colourful caricatures of police and politicians on the northern walls of the American University in Cairo.
Although Sisi(***)s promise of stability has attracted many voters, the low voter turnout highlights Egyptian(***)s disengagement.
The exchange rate for the Egyptian pound to the US dollar has soared to almost eight to one. Government services like trash collection exist only intermittently, and many parts of Cairo exhibit urban decay.
Security forces around the city during the week of Sisi(***)s inauguration remained on high alert, many of them hiding behind blast walls or barriers, but their presence was certainly felt, deterring protesters.
Egyptians sit in a cafe in central Cairo and watch Abdel Fattah el-Sisi(***)s inauguration. One viewer said: (***)There has been a tension in Egypt ... it is something we need to overcome,(***) while in the corner two people were arguing over Sisi(***)s legitimacy as president.