Egypt: The Country That Cannot Find Peace

After the first anniversary of Morsi's presidency, the protest movement Tamarod collected millions of signatures demanding the ousting of the president, accused of doing very little to help the stagnant economy, and criticized for his attempts to introduce a Muslim-orientated constitution in a secular country.

Since the army ousted Mr Morsi on 3rd July 2013, Egypt has been in turmoil as the pro Morsi protesters condemn the military coup d'état, and demand the reinstatement of the Muslim Brotherhood leader.

Wednesday 14th August was the most violent day since the protests started: violence erupted throughout the nation and caused the death of hundreds, including women and children.

Morsi supporters attacked and set ablaze tens of Christian properties including churches and schools; they set fire to a military buildings; they took over a police station and committed acts of violence against policemen and journalists.

Following the attacks, a state of emergency has been declared till the end of the month. Egyptians are also subjected to a curfew, with the risk of imprisonment for those who will not abide by it.

Escalating Brutality

This is the second time, in three years, that Egypt is in revolution against the political leadership. Since the Arab Spring, the goals of the protests have not yet been achieved, with the result being an escalating exasperation as well as brutality.

Unfortunately there are very frequent cases of women being raped in the streets, and children and the elderly are regularly victims of a violence that is tearing the country apart.

Egyptians are desperate and no longer strong and confident enough to have real hope. The population see the future of their country at stake, and there are no short-term solutions that seem able to end the violence and disorder.

More Questions than Answers

What are the possible solutions? Is it more correct to reinstate Morsi and accept his leadership that aims to benefit his party, to the detriment of the population; or is it more appropriate to quell dissenting voices, arrest protesters and accept a government led by the army until new elections? What if Morsi's presidency turns into a Muslim-orientated dictatorship? What if the new elections never happen and a third dictatorship will tower over the freedom that Egyptians are entitled to? How can the violence be ended so that democratic elections can take place?

The question marks are numerous and the answers are difficult to find. Democracy and freedom seem a long way off, together with the sense of hope that had wrapped up the country following the capitulation of Hosni Mubarak.

The more time that goes by, the more the violence escalates and the number of victims dramatically increases. Egyptians need a truly democratically elected government; they need freedom of speech and religion; social, economic and political reforms as well as the guarantee of a future for their children.

Egyptians need peace.

Ludovica Iaccino is an Italian who graduated in international journalism and is currently living in London. Read more posts by her here.

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