Author: Thaer Mansour ــ Egypt - Cairo

Over the past decade under Sisi’s rule, Egypt has experienced a sharp decline in media freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights, leading the country to be ranked as the world’s third-worst jailer of journalists. As the 11th anniversary of the removal of Egypt’s first democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi passed, Egyptians appeared indifferent, focusing more on the economic crisis plaguing the nation. Amid conspiracy theories and political debate, Morsi’s ousting in 2013 by Sisi is still a contentious issue in Egyptian society. The country has struggled with political oppression, economic challenges, and social unrest in recent years. The legacy of…

In a recent Israeli news report, it was suggested that Egypt and the UAE were prepared to participate in a post-war security force in Gaza. The security force would work alongside Palestinian officers and potentially pave the way for a future Palestinian state. However, Egypt later refuted these claims, stating that they had not approved any deployment of forces to Gaza. Despite the conflicting reports, the US has been seeking Arab allies to assist in managing the aftermath of the war in Gaza, where over 38,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, have been killed. While Egypt has not officially commented…

The Tragic Loss of Two Young Ahly Fans Mourned Across Egypt The recent death of two young Ahly fans, Narges Saleh and Nourhan Nasser, in a tragic road accident after a football match has stirred emotions across Egypt. The two friends, aged 20 and college students, were hit by a truck while crossing the highway outside Burj El-Arab stadium in Alexandria. Ahly, the most popular football club in Egypt, witnessed an outpouring of grief as fans shared memories of the girls celebrating Ahly’s victory. The truck driver, currently in custody, faces investigations including a drug test after the accident. Saudi…

In the heart of the Dar El-Salam neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt, Reda, a 54-year-old house cleaner, lines up outside a distribution kiosk for subsidized flatbread, now cut for the first time in the 21st century. The government’s recent decision to reduce food subsidies for those with ration cards has helped some of the country’s impoverished population living below the poverty line. The price of subsidized bread has increased by 400%, causing hardship for families like Reda’s, who now struggle to provide enough food with limited resources. Reda, a mother of four, worries about how they will cope as food prices…

The Story of Sisi’s Deleted Promises President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt is facing backlash as old social media posts boasting of his achievements and promises are being deleted in response to growing criticism. Activists and citizens have been quick to point out unfulfilled vows and contradictory statements made by Sisi over the past decade. One such promise was Sisi’s commitment to step down if demanded by the Egyptian people. The removal of these posts has sparked outrage, with screenshots circulating online showcasing the president’s past claims. Social media users are highlighting Sisi’s failure to deliver on pledges, including the…

Dozens of Sudanese refugees tragically lost their lives last week as they attempted to cross into Egypt via Aswan during a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching nearly 50 degrees Celsius. The refugees, carried inside open trucks by smugglers, succumbed to sunstroke, dehydration, or road accidents along the perilous journey. According to reports, about 50 Sudanese immigrants, including elderly citizens, women, and children, have been found deceased in Aswan hospitals. The Sudanese Consul in Aswan advised against taking such risks and urged people to seek safety in Sudan rather than risking their lives. The devastating heatwave has also claimed the lives…

Tragedy struck earlier last week as dozens of Sudanese refugees lost their lives attempting to cross into Egypt via Aswan in the midst of a scorching heat wave. The victims, including elderly citizens, women, and children, were carried in open trucks by smugglers, leading to fatalities from sunstroke, dehydration, or road accidents. Egyptian and Sudanese news outlets reported that approximately 50 bodies have been transferred to morgues in Aswan. The Sudanese Consul in Aswan urged people to avoid such perilous journeys and seek safety within Sudan instead. The unforgiving heat wave in Egypt has claimed the lives of both Egyptians…

Egypt is reeling from a recent horrific incident involving an Uber driver accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a female passenger in Cairo, the world’s most dangerous megacity for women. The driver, facing criminal charges, allegedly used violence and threatened the victim before she managed to escape with the help of passersby. This incident has sparked outrage across the country, with calls for boycotting Uber and holding the company accountable for passenger safety. Parliamentarians, activists, and women’s rights advocates are demanding action to prevent such incidents in the future. According to Uber’s legal representative, the suspect had a history of…

After President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s recent inauguration for his third term, the Egyptian cabinet resigned, paving the way for Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to form a new government. Sisi tasked Madbouly with focusing on economic reform, attracting investments, boosting the private sector, and addressing inflation rates. Amid challenges such as the Israeli war on Gaza and the potential displacement of Palestinians, Madbouly’s cabinet is expected to prioritize health, education, national security, and stability. The cabinet reshuffle comes in the midst of Egypt’s economic crisis, with soaring inflation and food prices burdening the population. Despite the efforts to alleviate public anger…

The Looming Crisis of Bread Subsidy Cuts in Egypt Egypt’s poor and limited-income households are facing a dire situation as bread subsidies are set to be slashed next month, potentially impacting their ability to afford basic food requirements. The subsidies for the popular Egyptian “balady” bread have remained unchanged since 1988, but a recent decision to raise the price fourfold has sparked outrage. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly announced the subsidy cut during a televised press conference, citing the rising cost of wheat as the reason behind the decision. The move comes at a time when almost one-third of Egypt’s population…