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Is Egypt's Military Kneeling Under Public Pressure?

21 November, 2011 12:51:00 Nasima Alli

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The man in charge: Field Marshal Tantawi

The North Africa Journal | After the bloody crackdown of the past days leading to dozens of deaths on the civilian side, the Egyptian military rulers say they will seek a political exit to the crisis. Although the military's public statements are still considered by protesters as insufficient, the Egyptian second uprising is clearly putting enormous pressure on the Junta.

On Tuesday, VOAnews reported that Egypt's military rulers have agreed to form a new government and promised to transfer power to a civilian body by July.

Supreme Council of the Armed Forces head Mohamed Tantawi announced the decision late Tuesday after crisis talks with various political groups. He said he had accepted the resignation of the civilian Cabinet of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf.

Tantawi said the current Cabinet would remain in place until a new government is formed. However, he added that military rulers were prepared to organize a referendum on an immediate power transfer, if necessary.

He also said officials are committed to holding parliamentary elections that are set to begin on November 28 and to the election of a new president before July 2012.

Tens of thousands of protesters massed in Cairo's Tahrir Square "booed" Tantawi's announcement. Some called for his resignation. Demonstrators have been demanding an immediate end to military rule.

Egypt's Health Ministry says at least 29 people have died in protests that have escalated during the past four days.

The demonstrations are the largest to take place in Egypt since protests forced then-president Hosni Mubarak to resign in February.

Outside Cairo Tuesday, Al Jazeera television video showed armored vehicles firing what appeared to be tear gas at a large crowd that had gathered in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

In an apparent concession to demonstrators, the military council earlier issued a law that bans anyone convicted of corruption from running for office or holding a government position. The move could restrict members of Mr. Mubarak's former ruling party from competing in the upcoming elections.

Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Egypt's rulers of brutality sometimes exceeding that of Mr. Mubarak. Hundreds have been injured nationwide during the latest unrest.

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