CAIRO: Egyptian presidential contender Mohamed ElBaradei called upon Egypt's military council to accelerate its efforts in transitioning to civilian rule, in an interview with the Financial Times this week. ElBaradei's comments came in the aftermath of the worst violence witnessed in Egypt since the January 25 Revolution, when the military clashed with a Coptic Christian protest on October 9, leaving 26 dead. Originally, Egyptians heralded the military, as its tank rolled into the epicenter of Egypt's revolution, Tahrir Square, siding with the people. Since, they have pledged to be the guardians of the nation's revolutionary gains, promising to shepherd in a civilian-led, democratically elected government, as it governs the country as the interim Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF). However, as the military tightens its grip on personal freedoms and flexes its muscles with unilateral decisions, many have become wary that the democratic process has been strategically postponed by an army eager to remain in power. “They thought they could govern but the ideal situation now is for them focus on defending the country while authority has to go to a government,” said ElBaradei in the interview. “The writing is on the wall for them to see that the situation is not sustainable.” He went on to say that the army had no experience in governing, and has been doing so without any authority. Many have echoed Elbaradei's condemnation for the army. At a candlelight vigil held in Cairo to mourn those who were killed in the clashes on October 9, nearly 1,000 gathered together to chant slogans against the army. ElBaradei went on to criticize the army's ability to maintain order, referencing a recent spike in crime throughout the nation, as Egypt's Mubarak-affiliated police force sideline amid growing lawlessness. “It's a puzzle why they can't restore security and bring back the police force,” he went on. “But there is no hope unless you get the police back and restore law and order. We now have an almost lawless society.” He also touched upon the nation's recently growing sectarian tensions. Fears of sectarian disunity have risen in the country dramatically since the violence of the October 9 protest. “Religious discrimination has been a ticking bomb …” s. “But no one is doing anything about it except … digging their heads in the sand, instead of having the confidence to say we have a problem and we need to deal with it.” BM
