The Stream

A second wave for Egypt’s revolution

Protesters have again taken to the streets of Egyptian cities to urge the interim government to adhere to promises of reform.

They’re back. Protesters have returned in large numbers to Cairo’s Tahrir Square, but with Hosni Mubarak gone, they now have a new target: the country’s military leadership. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has been the target of protests and and had its name turned into a popular new hashtag on Twitter.

Opponents claim that SCAF leadership is slowing down the work of the revolution by controlling Prime Minister Essam Sharaf. Some in Tahrir Square have called for Sharam to join them in their protests. Twitter user @TheBigPharaoh expressed a common feeling of wanting the military out of government: ” What we need is a government that says to #SCAF: Surprise! We are the government here and not you. We need a government with real teeth.” Another user, @Bazramit wrote: “Confrontation with #SCAF seems inevitable and unavoidable #Tahrir #Egypt.”

The Ministry of Interior hasn’t escaped being made into a hashtag, either. Tweets including #MOI have criticised the ministry’s efforts to reform the police force. From @engiamin: “Could the #MOI reform movement backfire?esp tht according 2news sources some of the officers r charged with the murder of protesters?#tahrir” On July 13, Interior Minister Mansour el-Issawi attempted to meet demands of the protesters camped out in the square by firing almost 600 top police officers.

But the crowds continue to grow and the Square seems to be becoming organised again. A picture posted to Twitter shows an internet router hung from a cardboard sign offering free Wi-fi.

These are some of the social media elements featured in this segment.