FEBRUARY 2011

The protests continue, with millions around Egypt calling for an end to his rule. 2 Dubbed ‘Black Wednesday’ or the ‘Battle of the Camel,’ the day sees violent clashes erupt in Tahrir between anti-government and pro-government protestors who storm the Square’s sit-in with camels and horses. At least three people are killed and 1,500 are injured. The army maintains a strong presence with tanks in and around Tahrir Square. As people at home anxiously watch events unfold, the violence continues past midnight with both sides setting up barricades. Clashes between pro-government and anti-government protestors carry on into the early hours of the day, with reports of gunfire in Tahrir Square. On February 4, declared the “Day of Departure,” thousands of protestors gather for another day of protests in Tahrir Square, continuing to demand Mubarak’s immediate resignation. Protestors are still camped out in Tahrir Square refusing to leave until Mubarak resigns. Key NDP figures resign, including Gamal Mubarak, the president’s son and one-time presidential hopeful. Hossam Badrawi, a member of the liberal wing of the party, is appointed NDP secretary-general, only to resign a week later. Vice-president Suleiman holds talks with opposition groups, including the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Banks and businesses, which had since been shuttered, officially re-open for a few hours a day, while traffic police are back on the streets in Cairo. A curfew starting in the afternoon remains in place. While protestors are still camping out in Tahrir Square in Cairo, the government approves a 15 percent raise in salaries and pensions. The Criminal Court in Egypt bans three former ministers from leaving the country and orders their assets frozen. Amid rumors that he had fled the country or would soon resign, Mubarak issues a disappointing speech, repeating his promise not to run in the next presidential elections and pledging to work toward a peaceful transition in September. Hossam Badrawi resigns as NDP secretary-general. The country’s new military rulers promise to hand over power to an elected, civilian government and pledge that Egypt will remain committed to all international treaties. Travel bans are imposed on several of the country’s former ministers, including former Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif. The Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) imposes martial law dissolving Parliament and suspending the Constitution. Under SCAF direction, it is announced that the Cabinet of Ministers, helmed by Ahmed Shafiq and appointed when Mubarak was still in office, will not undergo a major reshuffle. Some 2,000 policemen hold a protest outside the Ministry of Interior demanding better wages. Suez Canal workers go on strike, joining a wave of labor protests engulfing textile mills, pharmaceutical plants, chemical industries, Cairo International Airport, the transportation sector and banks. A panel of legal experts appointed by the interim military council begins drafting constitutional amendments that will shape the country’s political future and transitional period. The SCAF hopes to transfer power within the next six months to civilian authorities and a president. 11 After Mubarak’s tepid speech the night before, angry crowds take to the streets across Egypt in protests. Hours later, Vice President Suleiman solemnly announces Mubarak’s resignation from office and hands over power to the army. Jubilant Egyptians gather in the streets at night to celebrate across the country as Mubarak heads for Sharm El-Sheikh. Hours later, governorates are filled with people cleaning up the streets, painting sidewalks and starting up solidarity campaigns with much optimism about the future of the nation. 28 Habib El-Adly, Ahmed el-Maghrabi and Zuheir Garana, former ministers of interior, housing and tourism respectively, are detained for 15 days along with steel tycoon Ahmed Ezz. Al Wasat gains legal status, making it the first political party to be recognized since Hosni Mubarak’s overthrow. Anas El-Fiqqi, former minister of information, is removed from office, and the entire ministry appears to have been abolished during a government cabinet reshuffle, only to be reinstated in July. Egypt allows two Iranian naval ships to sail through the Suez Canal. It is the first time in decades that Iranian vehicles have traversed the Canal. TV presenter Mahmoud Saad resigns from his popular talk show Masr El Naharda, allegedly after being asked to drop his interviews to reschedule a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shafiq. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa announces his intention to run for presidency.