In Egypt, violence erupted again yesterday when security forces clashed with anti-government protesters as the nation marks the 40th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
CEOAFRICA.com gathered that at least 50 people were killed and over 200 wounded, with close to 300 arrested in clashes.
The Muslim Brotherhood organized matches across the nation with a big banner which has “Reject the Coup” on it. The rally got out of hand when security forces were trying to separate the Muslim Brotherhood supporters from those people rallying to commemorate the anniversary.
Clashes were reported in cities up and down the Nile valley and to the east, along the Suez Canal.
Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi, celebrating the holiday, acknowledged the tensions of the past months, but gave an account at odds with the unfolding scene.
According to him, the police, army and the support of the people, has helped to restore peace to the country. The prime minister also asserted that the efforts of those he referred to as “malicious elements” were losing strength.
Sunday's protests appeared to be the biggest turnout since the mid-August crackdown on supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi. In the ensuing months, the protest movement has changed focus from a drive to reinstate the Islamist president to a wider anti-military stance.
Officials warned ahead of Sunday's rallies that any protesters would be considered “foreign agents.” The Muslim Brotherhood, once again facing legal bans, originated in Egypt, but anti-foreign sentiment has been running high.
