It must be a very joyful day for all Egyptians to have President Abdel Fattah El Sisi announce the cancellation of the extension of the state of emergency throughout the country.
“It is my pleasure to share together this moment, for which we have always striven for with hard work. Egypt has become, thanks to its great people and loyal men, an oasis for security and stability in region,” President Sisi said on his official Facebook page.
“So, I have decided, for the first time in years, to cancel the extension of the state of emergency throughout the country,” President Sisi added.
This step is significant in that it signifies the restoration of security and stability throughout the country, in addition to the return to normal legislation. As President Sisi pointed out, this goal could only be achieved by sacrifice and sincere efforts from security and military personnel.
“As I declare this decision, I remember with all respect and appreciation our heroic martyrs, without whom we would not have achieved security and stability. Together we steadily move forward to building the new republic with the help and support of God, long live Egypt. Long live Egypt. Long live Egypt” Sisi said.
Before January 2011 Revolution, Egypt had always witnessed large-scale implementation of the emergency laws as the state of emergency was imposed in 1981 following the assassination of President Sadat. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces suspended it in 2012.
However, a nationwide state of emergency was imposed in 2017 following the deadly church bombings and attacks on Coptic Christians that killed 47 people and wounded dozens. The government continued to renew it every three months to confront terrorism that hit different parts of the country especially north Sinai. Therefore, by cancelling the extension of the state of emergency, Egypt is conveying a clear message to the world about its full restoration of stability and security nationwide.
Monday’s decision is also in line with the state direction as it launched a new strategy for human rights last month to promote, respect and protect all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and freedoms enshrined in the Egyptian constitution and the international human rights conventions.
This decision is just the start of some more measures that are expected to be taken to enhance public liberties and democratic rule in the country.
