"I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood" Blood continues to flow through the streets of Egypt

Six weeks ago, we seen elation on the streets on Egypt as General Abdul Fatah al-Sisi told the world that Egypt's first democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi had been removed from office pending with Chief Justice Adly Manosour assuming his position pending new elections. Outside thousands of anti-Morsi Egyptians watched gleefully on, flashing laser beams in a scene that was more reminiscent of a club than, what many have called, a military coup .

Since then, the situation has rapidly declined with pro and anti-Morsi supporters clashing on the streets whilst the military step in to brutally suppress peace protests of supporters of the deposed ruler. In a little over a month, the streets of Egypt have been running red with the blood of hundreds of people killed in these riots. Three days ago 638 were killed when Rabaa al-Adawiya, one of the pro-Morsi protest camps, was cleared by the military, with reports of women, children and even babies counted among the dead.

The Muslim Brotherhood, of which Morsi is a member, called for a 'march of anger' on 16th August and their call was answered when hundreds of Pro-Morsi supporters turned out in Rameses Square, Cairo, as well as other protests throughout the country. Clashes have resulted in over 60 deaths in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Damietta and Fayoum. 

There has been international outcry at the heavy handedness of the military with a number of countries and international bodies voicing their growing concern of the situation. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has warned "military interference in the affairs of any state is of concern" and has urged "a speedy resumption of civilian rule." The EU have also spoken out against the military rule as Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in a recent statement "I strongly condemn all violent acts... I call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint." Ms Ashton also voiced her disappointment at being denied a meeting with Morsi in a recent trip to Cairo (where he is being held in custody on murder charges in a jailbreak in 2011). These thoughts have been echoed throughout the world as dozens of countries including Iran, Germany, France, Malaysia and Russia all voicing their concerns on the violence and military interference in the state. 

The only way this situation can be resolved is if the rulers calm the people instead of continuing to incite anger and hatred. The military have already stated they are prepared to continue using force which is obviously only going to fan the flames of social unrest, not alleviate them. One of the cornerstones of any democracy should be free speech and the right to protest. If the military are so keen on continuing a truly democratic state, should they not be respecting and adopting these simple maxims instead of slaughtering everyone with an opposing viewpoint?

Personally I believe Morsi should have been given more than a year to try and implement the changes the country wanted him to make, however that aside, the violence needs to stop. When babies are murdered and neighbour kills neighbour, how can that ever be the way in which to start a new and peaceful state?

Lora

As always, if you enjoy my blog, feel free to follow me on twitter @LoradeeC.