Life during the Egyptian uprising

2012-01-25 19

This is the second part of a three-part multimedia package produced by the Thomson Reuters foundation.
It looks at the confusion, frustration and fear for some Egyptians as they lived through the popular uprising which toppled Hosni Mubarak, as its first anniversary is marked.
On Wednesday (January 25) Egyptians will head to Tahrir Square to mark the first anniversary of the uprising, with some seeking a new revolt against army rule and others celebrating the changes already achieved.
It is a year since protesters inspired by an uprising in Tunisia took to the streets in Egypt and the Jan. 25 anniversary has exposed divisions in the Arab world's most populous country over the pace of democratic change.
Concerned the generals are obstructing reform to protect their interests, the pro-democracy activists behind the "Jan. 25 revolution" plan march to Tahrir Square to demand the military council that replaced Mubarak hand power to civilians immediately.
But well-organised Islamist parties which dominated Egypt's most democratic election since army officers overthrew the king in 1952 are among those who oppose a new uprising.
Signs of friction were on show as hundreds of people began to congregate in Tahrir Square late on Tuesday, pitching tents in winter rain and hanging the national flag from buildings.
Grocery stores were unusually busy as shoppers stocked up, reflecting concern at the prospect of a repeat of last year when protests went on for 18 days before Mubarak was forced to step down on Feb. 11.
Protests against the military council turned violent in November and December.

Free Traffic Exchange