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Dictatorship has an expiry date

Feb 03, 2011 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The people of Egypt are demonstrating that dictatorship has an expiry date. Their refusal to let up in their protests against the three decade dictatorial rule of President Hosni Mubarak is a sign that Egyptian society has had enough of his repressive rule. While the world watches the growing power of the Egyptian people that has taken to the streets of this past week, the sobering actions of the Egyptian Army is what is most stunning.
The huge demonstration which took place on Tuesday that saw several hundred thousand people taking to the street came on the heels of a crucial statement released by the army in which it vowed not to use force against the protesters. “The presence of the army in the streets is for your sake and to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The armed forces will not resort to use of force against our great people,” read the statement. It even went further by calling the protesters’ demands legitimate. “Your armed forces, which are aware of the legitimacy of your demands, are keen to assume their responsibility in protecting the nation and the citizens, affirm that freedom of expression through peaceful means is guaranteed to everybody.”
The army statement also warned people not to resort to acts of sabotage that violate security and destroy public and private property. The statement seemed to suggest it would be playing a role akin to the police. It said that it would not allow outlaws to loot, attack and “terrorize citizens”.
It is heartening to see that the Egyptian army taking a firm stance against any form of political interference in the execution of its duties. Too many times in situations like these the coercive arm of the state is used by governments to stifle freedom of expression.
No one is being arrested on trumped up charges and being harassed unnecessarily because they choose to protest for political change. Very strong language is being used and yet no one is being arrested and thrown in jail for treason.
The Egyptian people are demanding change! And the delicate international political/diplomatic position in which Egypt finds itself with the West has most Western leaders hoping for a peaceful end to the Mubarak era. The US is threading very carefully on the matter.
Guyanese need to take note of how people in repressive societies collectively rise in unity for change. Muslims and Christians are side by side shouting for political change in Egypt. Tribes are uniting and calling for change. As one Egyptian analyst said on Sky News, “not even football has brought this kind of unity among Egyptians”.
The world is watching closely to see how this all ends. But one thing is sure: the Egyptian people are resolute in their demands for Mr. Mubarak to demit office immediately.
Democracy is in demand. According to the great Mahatma Ghandi, “people must be the change they wish to see in their world”.
Richard Francois

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