The 2013 Egyptian Coup refers to the military-led overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi of Egypt on July 3, 2013. This event came after widespread protests against Morsi's rule, which was marked by political polarization, economic difficulties, and dissatisfaction with his governance style.
Background:
- Arab Spring Influence: The Arab Spring protests in 2011 led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. Following Mubarak's removal, Egypt held its first competitive presidential election in 2012, which Morsi won, making him Egypt's first democratically elected civilian president.
- Political and Economic Challenges: Morsi's presidency faced significant challenges including a struggling economy, power outages, fuel shortages, and security issues. His administration was also criticized for its perceived authoritarian tendencies and for pushing through a new constitution that favored Muslim Brotherhood ideology.
- Protests: By mid-2013, dissatisfaction with Morsi's leadership led to massive protests, with millions of Egyptians taking to the streets demanding his resignation. These protests were organized by the Tamarod movement, which claimed to have collected 22 million signatures on a petition calling for Morsi's removal.
The Coup:
- Military Intervention: On July 3, 2013, following the protests, the Egyptian military, led by General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, issued an ultimatum to Morsi to resolve the political crisis. When Morsi refused to step down, the military intervened, removing him from power.
- Interim Government: An interim government was established, headed by Adly Mansour, the head of Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court, who was sworn in as the acting president. This government was tasked with revising the constitution and organizing new elections.
Aftermath:
- Political Repression: The coup led to a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters. Hundreds were killed in dispersing pro-Morsi sit-ins at Rabaa Al-Adawiya Square and Al-Nahda Square. Thousands were arrested, and the Brotherhood was declared a terrorist organization.
- International Reactions: The coup received mixed reactions internationally. Some Western countries, including the United States, suspended aid to Egypt, while others, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council, supported the military's actions with financial aid.
- Constitutional Changes: A new constitution was drafted and approved in a referendum, which was seen as more secular than its predecessor.
- El-Sisi's Rise: General el-Sisi resigned from his military post to run for president, winning the election in 2014, which many criticized as lacking democratic credentials.
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