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Military Coup Said To Be Under Way In Egypt As Reports Say Mubarak Will Step Down

February 10, 2011
By RFE/RL

The Egyptian Army has announced that it is taking "necessary measures to protect the nation and support the legitimate demands of the people," a move that observers say signals the military is now in control of the country.

The statement, which was read on state television, was labeled, "Communique No. 1" -- a choice of words that could suggest a military coup is under way. Egypt's military council held an emergency meeting on February 10 without Mubarak, who is the council head.

Footage on state television of the meeting showed the defense minister, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, chairing the military's supreme council, with some two dozen stern-faced army officers seated around a table.

News of the military's move came as the BBC reported that Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said Mubarak could step down and that the situation will be clarified soon.

State television also announced that Mubarak will address the country tonight from his palace in Cairo.

Do The Right Thing

The head of Mubarak's National Democratic Party, Hossam Badrawi, told BBC World News that he wants the 82-year old embattled leader to tell Egyptians that he will do the right thing for Egypt and pass his authority to Vice President Omar Suleiman.

"[I would like President Mubarak] to tell the people that he has fulfilled his promise, that the order for a constitutional amendment [has gone] out to parliament, and that he understands the credibility of the protesters, and that he respects the requests of the young people in the streets," Badrawi said.

Suleiman has led the regime's management of the crisis since he was named vice president soon after protests erupted on January 25.

In Cairo's Tahrir Square, where thousands of demonstrators have camped out for days, people watched the announcement on a television screen and reacted with growing excitement.

Minutes before the announcement was read, the military's chief of staff, Sami Anan, was greeted with roars of approval when he appeared in the square and vowed to safeguard people's security.

An Egyptian army commander, Hassan al-Roweny, also told the crowd, "Everything you want will be realized."

The protesters lifted al-Roweny onto their shoulders and carried him around the square, shouting, "The Army, The People, One Hand." Some in the crowd held up their hands in V-for-victory signs, shouting, "The people want the end of the regime," and "Allahu akbar," or "God is great."

But protesters also chanted "Civilian Not Military," a signal they do not want military rule. More people flowed into the square following the military announcement in the evening.

'High Likelihood'

In Washington, the White House said President Barack Obama is following the fast-moving developments closely.

And CIA Director Leon Panetta said U.S. intelligence indicates that Mubarak is on his way out. He told members of Congress that his information indicated a "high likelihood" that the Egyptian leader would step down late on February 10.

The dramatic developments come on the 17th day of mass protests over Mubarak's 30-year rule and the country's endemic corruption, poverty, and oppression. What began as a youth revolt quickly evolved into demonstrations across the country by Egyptians of all ages and social classes.

The demonstrators have remained defiant in the face of violent attacks from pro-regime thugs and the detention of thousands by the security service, and continued to press their demand that Mubarak leave office and democratic reforms begin.

In the last two days, the protests have expanded to include labor unions and the involvement of the professional classes, including university professors, doctors, and lawyers.

State employees have revolted against their directors, factories around the country were hit by strikes, and riots broke out in several cities far from Cairo.

Protesters angry over bread and housing shortages or low wages burned the offices of a governor and several police headquarters while police stood aside.

written by Heather Maher, with agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/egypt_mubarak_coup_resignation_opposition_protests_tahrir_square/2305459.html

Copyright (c) 2011. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.