Thousands of government supporters gathered at a Cairo square in support of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The rally came response to calls for anti-government protests by opposition figures including Muslim Brotherhood leaders, in apparent efforts to oust the Egyptian strongman.
The President’s followers used the event to declare unwavering backing for al-Sisi, for best protecting the country’s national interests in the wake of years of Islamist-instigated’ instability. Speaking to Reuters, Mohammad Sharkawy addressed his remarks directly to the President, saying, “We are with you Sisi. We are with you president against the enemies and traitors. We do not want to be like Syria, Libya and Iraq. Egypt will stay safe, they will stay safe until the end.” Another unnamed supporter also referred to security, telling the international news agency that “He kept us safe. We do not want chaos. Whoever is talking about Egypt should come here. We do not want anyone defending the poor people (from abroad). Here are the poor people here.”
Concerns are mounting over possible demonstrations by anti-regime individuals, who have vocally opposed the Egyptian President since he participated in the toppling from power of his predecessor Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammad Morsi.
It is important to note that since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took office, relations between Cairo and the Gaza Strip have deteriorated, because Hamas is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. In contrast, relations between Egypt and Israel have improved significantly, particularly on matters of economy and security.