Inside Story

Can protesters achieve political change in Egypt?

Thousands have rallied demanding President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi step down.

Rare protests against the government are sweeping Egypt. A tough security crackdown has been launched – yet people are not giving up.

Friday was dubbed a day of rage – in which one protester was killed. Dozens have been arrested since demonstrations began on September 20.

Protesters are angry about corruption, a deteriorating economy and poor living conditions.

The protests reignited on the anniversary of last year’s major rallies, which took place after whistleblower Mohamed Ali posted video messages saying President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his allies spend public money building themselves luxury homes.

These demonstrations might be the biggest since 2019 – but can they achieve anything?

Presenter: Rob Matheson

Guests:

Ahmed Said – Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms

Sahar Aziz – law professor Rutgers University

Timothy Kaldas – non-resident fellow Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy