The 2011 Egyptian revolution started as a non-violent civil resistance on the 25 January 2011. Students from across Egypt united with others to hold a series of demonstrations, marches, and strikes. The protesters were clear in their demands for the overthrowing of the regime of the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The revolution was not without violent clashes between security forces and protesters.
Ahmed Bahaa’s story
“I am Ahmed Bahaa. I am studying law in a famous university in Egypt. I took part in the revolution from the very first day. Unfortunately, I lost two of my best friends who were shot dead by the police. When the police disappeared, there was a real need to defend ourselves against thieves, thugs and criminals who had escaped from prisons. Therefore, I organized the people in my neighbourhood. We had different checkpoints in different places of the neighbourhood to prevent prisoners and criminals from getting into our houses. Tahrir Square was where some colleagues and I started the Students' Coalition. It is a body for all university students in Egypt. It aims at seeking students' rights and at removing any remains of Mubarak's regime in Egypt.”
Grievances of Egyptian protesters were focused on legal and political issues including police brutality, state of emergency laws, lack of free elections and freedom of speech, uncontrollable corruption, and economic issues including high unemployment, food price inflation and low minimum wages. The primary demands from protest organizers were the end of the Hosni Mubarak regime and the end of emergency law; freedom, justice, a responsive non-military government, and a say in the management of Egypt's resources.
Mohammad Khalid’s Story
“I am Mohammad Khalid. I am studying Islamic studies. I spent 14 out of 18 days in Tahrir. I took part in different roles in the square such as cleaning, providing water and food, guarding some points against the regime thugs. I used to go back home every three days. There I had a different role. I used to refute any bad press by the media and tell people about the crimes committed by Mubarak's regime. I would say that I will never forget these days and I will tell my children about them to know that we struggled to ensure a better future for them.”
Reports suggest that there were up to 840 deaths reported and over 6,000 were injured. Cairo was often described as a “war zone”, and the port city of Suez witnessed frequent violent clashes. Despite the prospect of death and injury many continue with their protest, adamant that only with Mubarak gone could the country change for the better.
Mohammad Gamal and Ahmed Ragab’s Story
“We are Mohammad Gamal and Ahmed Ragab. We are also studying Islamic studies. We did not go to Tahrir square but we had a different role in our cities. We made links with our colleagues in Tahrir to give people the right image about the demonstrators. We used to give speeches to raise people's awareness about the corruption and the crimes of Mubarak's regime. We told them that the demonstrators all over Egypt aim for the good of this country and that if we cannot support them physically, we should support them psychologically. We also participated in organizing checkpoints to guard our homes against criminals who had escaped from prisons.”
On 11 February, following weeks of determined popular protest and pressure, Mubarak resigned from office. Egypt is a country in transitions. The protests initiated a process of social and political reform and demonstrated the power of activism.
The events in Egypt show how activism can make a real different. Egypt has many challenges to face along the way but the future looks bright.