Of army tanks positioned in the capital, paving stones littered with debris, the headquarters of the National Democratic Party (NDP) who is still smoking ... While traces of Friday's riots were still present in Cairo, thousands of protesters again gathered in the center of the Egyptian capital on Saturday morning. The speech by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who has notably announced the sacking of the government, did not appear sufficient to calm the anger of the population.
A speech "meaningless"
The resignation of the cabinet must be formally confirmed in the coming hours this Saturday, and Hosni Mubarak should then appoint the new prime minister. The government could be formed in the day.Leaving his silence Friday night, Hosni Mubarak assured, in a short speech, had "fully aware of the legitimate aspirations of the people."He also said he is determined to ensure stability.
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, the opponent Mohamed el-Baradei, former Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), found the speech "meaningless" and called Hosni Mubarak from. "The Egyptian president has clearly not understood the message that emanated from the Egyptian people," he said. It was almost an insult to his intelligence. "
According to Egyptian expert Aklimandos Toufik, associate researcher at the contemporary history of the Arab world at the College de France, the speech contained no concrete announcement. "Hosni Mubarak gave a speech that is his for years," he explained to FRANCE 24.It was a good speech, except that it contained no new element, able to reassure the population. "
The attitude of the army, which is decisive
"If the day on Friday was decisive in mobilizing and this Saturday will be equally critical of his side says Gallagher Fenwick, a FRANCE 24 special correspondents in Cairo. The protesters are back on the streets after a night of riots, and they will be very attentive to the attitude of the army, positioned at strategic locations in the Egyptian capital.The question is whether the army is going to marry this movement, as was the case in Tunisia, or whether it will instead protect the regime ".
By late Friday, President Hosni Mubarak has indeed called in the army reinforcements to enforce security in the country.
Tens of thousands of people protested Friday in the country, demanding the departure of the Egyptian president, in power since 1981. Clashes have opposed the police who used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the procession.Long after nightfall, and despite the curfew introduced by the authorities, many protesters continued to press into the streets of major cities. The clashes killed at least 13 victims in Suez, east of Cairo, Alexandria and six to the north, and many more injured - more than a thousand in Cairo.
Besides the start of Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian call for the lifting of the state of emergency in force for 30 years, more freedoms and better living conditions. While over 40% of Egyptians live on less than two dollars a day, they protest against rising prices of basic commodities and lack of jobs.
