Three decades of totalitarian rule by the Mubarak regime finally ended on Friday as the President gave up his powers to the military. Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak's resignation amidst cries of joy by the masses.
Throughout the country, people celebrated in joyful pandemonium and the entire sky was lit by the colorful lights of fireworks. People chanted in union Hold your heads high, you are Egyptians. The downfall of the regime marks the onset of a new era for the Egyptian civilization as thousands of ecstatic protestors hugged each other, danced and prayed. The street demonstrations and protests that began in the country on January 25, 2011, was the consequence of years of suppression under a government that left no stones unturned to curb the rights and freedom of the masses.
The EGX 30 index, currently at 5,646.50, is down 21 percent in 2011. ReutersThe Free Software Foundation (FSF) has awarded the Tor Project for championing Internet by protecting Anonymity in an era of social media revolutions in Middle East and the North African country Libya.ReutersThroughout the country, people celebrated in joyful pandemonium and the entire sky was lit by the colorful lights of fireworks. People chanted in union “Hold your heads high, you are Egyptians”.
Nobel Peace prize winner and an important member of the protests, Mohamed Mustafa ElBaradei twitted “Egypt Today is a free and proud nation. God bless.”
Mubarak and his family reportedly left Cairo for the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh while former Finance Minister Youssef Boutros Ghali fled Egypt to Beirut, Lebanon.
Reuters.The uprising and the subsequent downfall of Mubarak has a strong impact in the modern Arab world and have left the entire world stunned.
The Associated Press quoted President Barack Obama saying "Egyptians have inspired us." He noted the important questions that lay ahead, but said, "I'm confident the people of Egypt can find the answers."
Throughout the uprising, the US has strongly urged the Egyptian government to facilitate a transition of authority that is “immediate, meaningful or sufficient.”
In a White House blog, Obama stated that the Egyptians have earned “the respect of the world through their non-violent calls for change. In that effort, young people have been at the forefront, and a new generation has emerged. They have made it clear that Egypt must reflect their hopes, fulfill their highest aspirations, and tap their boundless potential.”
Reuters.On Friday, demonstrators started to gather at different locations in Cairo apart from Tahrir Square. Army and the media gathered around the presidential palace and the protestors started to demand the resignation of Mubarak.
Following the announcement, the army pledged to shepherd reforms for greater democracy and told the nation it would announce the next steps soon. Those could include the dissolving of parliament and creation of a transitional government.
Reuters.
