In Pictures

Egypt Revolution: 18 days of people power

Country marks five years since the start of demonstrations that led to the downfall of long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak.

A crowd of demonstrators walks through Cairo on January 25, 2011, to demand the end of President Hosni Mubarak's nearly 30 years in power. [AP]

25 Jan 2016

The 2011 revolution in Egypt started with marches, demonstrations and civil resistance on January 25.

Protesters were inspired by the successful uprising in Tunisia, where demonstrators succeeded in bringing down the government.

People came on to the streets demanding the overthrow of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. They complained of poverty, unemployment, corruption and autocratic governance of the president who had ruled the country for 30 years.

Demonstrators included Islamic, liberal, anti-capitalist, nationalist and feminist elements.

WATCH: Egypt burning – the defining moments of the revolution

Violent clashes between security forces and protesters resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and thousands more were injured.

After 18 days of protest, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced on February 11 that Mubarak would resign as president, handing over power to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

The announcement sparked jubilation on the streets and sent a warning to autocrats across the Arab world and beyond.