Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has called on “fellow revolutionaries” to communicate and collaborate as Islamists and other pro-revolutionary groups — known to be rivals — protest the recent verdict clearing ousted president Hosni Mubarak of criminal charges.
“[We call for] serious and deep dialogue among the fellows of the revolution on the future of the country,” the Brotherhood said in a statement Wednesday.
The statement also called for “ongoing communication and good coordination in stances and activities among all fellows of the revolution and specific identification of goals.”
The National Alliance to Support Legitimacy (NASL) — an umbrella group led by the banned Muslim Brotherhood has vowed to protest against the court verdict that dropped charges against Mubarak over involvement in the killing of protesters in the 2011 uprising.
However, a number of pro-revolution parties and groups organised under the umbrella of the recently formed Democratic Current said this week it would not coordinate with the Brotherhood in any of its activities.
The Democratic Current includes the Constitution Party, the Nasserist Popular Current, Strong Egypt Party, Bread and Freedom Party, April 6 Youth Movement, Youth for Justice and Freedom and Resistance student movement.
Shortly after the verdict was announced Saturday, about 3,000 people from various revolutionary groups protested near Tahrir Square where millions brought down Mubarak in February 2011. However, as Islamist loyalists attempted to join the protests, tense disagreements erupted among the two rival groups. Police dispersed the crowds leaving two people dead.
Since the 2011 uprising, disagreements have surfaced between Islamists, mainly the Brotherhood, and other groups at several political turning points. In June 2013, many groups protested against then-president Mohamed Morsi, who hails from the Brotherhood. He was eventually deposed with the army’s backing.
The government subsequently launched a heavy crackdown on the Brotherhood.
Rivalry persisted between the Islamist group and secular political groups who say the Brotherhood did not uphold the demands of the 2011 uprising when in power.
This is the second time the Brotherhood has made such a call. No dialogue or effective coordination has been seen as a result to date.
Source: Ahram Online
