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Ten years ago this week, it was a pivotal moment in history as Gen Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, following a successful coup, ordered a brutal crackdown on unarmed protesters in central Cairo. The Rabaa massacre resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 817 individuals, possibly exceeding 1,000. This event not only shattered the hopes of those supporting the deposed government of the Muslim Brotherhood and those advocating for civilian leadership in the face of President Mohamed Morsi’s growing authoritarianism, but it also dealt a severe blow to the optimism and excitement of the Arab Spring. Regrettably, it marked the beginning of a new era of oppression, with Gen Sisi surpassing even his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak, in ruthlessness. The Rabaa massacre established a blueprint for his tyrannical rule.
Remembering the victims becomes increasingly important considering the absence of any prospects for holding the perpetrators accountable. Although Human Rights Watch believes that these brutal killings could amount to crimes against humanity, no member of the security forces has ever been brought to trial for their actions.
Over the past decade, tens of thousands of political prisoners have been incarcerated, and executions have surged. Authorities claim that dozens of alleged “terrorists” were killed in shootouts, but human rights groups suspect they were victims of extrajudicial executions. Torture remains widespread. Egypt’s only democratically elected president, Mr. Morsi, died while on trial, due to years of insufficient medical care.
This represents the most severe human rights crisis in modern Egyptian history, although labeling it as a mere “crisis” understates the true gravity of the situation, implying a temporary condition rather than an entrenched regime of oppression. Gen Sisi has silenced independent journalism, targeted civil society, and repressed LGBTQ+ Egyptians. While he participated in the 2018 election, he ensured that any remotely credible rivals were excluded from the contest, and we can expect more of the same in 2024. Despite hinting at the need for fresh ideas, he remains mired in the same old leadership.
Domestically and internationally, Gen Sisi has portrayed himself as a bulwark against Islamist extremism and a guarantor of security and prosperity. However, the authorities have even converted schools into military bases as they intensify their offensive against militants in northern Sinai, and the economy is in shambles. The president has consolidated his power through a significant expansion of the military economy, displacing private businesses and enriching his cronies. Billions of dollars have been squandered on the new administrative capital in the desert, while debt levels have reached staggering heights. The ongoing pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have had their impact, but already in 2019, 60% of Egyptians were living near or below the poverty line, and Gen Sisi cannot even keep the lights on.
Gulf backers, who poured in substantial financial support to stabilize Gen Sisi’s rule, now demand tangible results. Yet European leaders, including Britain, continue to be compliant, even expanding trade post-Brexit. It is remarkably and shamefully reluctant to forcefully advocate for the release of British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who remains detained without consular access. Rishi Sunak granted Gen Sisi the photo opportunity he desired with a handshake at last year’s Cop27 conference in Egypt, while the activist was near death due to a hunger strike. The prime minister must now speak out. Ten years after Rabaa, there is even less justification to accept Gen Sisi’s abhorrent track record.
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