News

Egypt Has New Interim President

by Nuzha Nuseibeh

In the latest in a series of swift and dramatic changes, Egypt now has a new interim President. The head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adli Mansour, was sworn in as Egypt's interim leader on Thursday, following ex-President Mohammed Morsi's ousting a day earlier.

The ceremony was held at the Constitutional Court, and broadcast live on state television amid standing ovations.

"I swear by God Almighty to protect faithfully the Republican regime and to respect the constitution and the rule of law and to look fully after the interests of the people and to protect the independence of the nation and its territories. In the name of God," Mansour vowed.

He also praised the "revolutionaries of Egypt", saying, "we salute them all, those who prove to the world that they are strong enough, the brave youth of Egypt, who were the leaders of this revolution."

A group of protestors reportedly gathered outside the court to show their support for Morsi, however.

Meanwhile, Morsi—who only two days ago was calling himself "Egypt's guardian of legitimacy"—has now been placed under house arrest, and the Egyptian prosecutor's office has also issued arrest warrants for the Muslim Brotherhood's top leader, Mohamed Badie, and his deputy, Khairat el-Shater.

Morsi became Egypt's president on June 30th, 2012 after winning an election considered largely democratic, but was subsequently criticised for his unwillingness to rectify Egypt's sinking economy, as well as granting himself extensive powers.

He was forced out by the army on Wednesday, following three days of nationwide demonstrations and a military ultimatum.

A senior Muslim Brotherhood (Mohamed Morsi’s party) member, Essam ElErian, published his response to the coup in a Facebook post earlier today, ominously warning that the military will go back to the way it was during the old Mubarak days. He also cautioned that Egypt's conditions would not calm down, and that there would not be any presidential or parliament elections.

It remains unclear how Egypt will react; while many see the military's move as a positive revolution, some are labelling it a "terrorist coup." Already, clashes have erupted overnight between police and pro-Morsi protestors, with at least nine people being killed.