Egyptians recently celebrated the first anniversary of the beginning of what ended up being a historic revolution. In the process, President Hosni Mubarak was swept away from office, following weeks of relentless demonstration of people’s power.

This was through largely peaceful sit-in protests in Tahrir Square in central Cairo, the capital.

It was all about removing a government the people felt no longer represented their interests. One year on, the transition to democratic, multi-party rule is gradually taking shape. A new parliament is now in place as the country prepares for a crucial presidential election later this year. Though the transitional military council that took over from Mubarak is still in power, Egyptians – in their majority – have reason to celebrate, one year after the start of their revolution.

« Consensus Now Exists Among Egyptians”

The Egyptian Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Ibrahim Moustafa Hafez, in the following interview, revisits the Egyptian Revolution, one year after.

How has it been, one year after the start of the Egyptian Revolution?

The Egyptian Revolution of January 25, 2011 is a particularity of the Egyptian people and what we are witnessing now is a period of transformation. The people are determined to apply democracy, human rights, good governance, fight corruption and to insist on the fact that Egypt should play a more active role in Africa – the building and integration of Africa and for building the African Common Market in general.

What have been the challenges in the first year of the revolution?

The main challenge of the revolution was national unity. I am happy to note that consensus now exists among Egyptians and they now enjoy national unity. Of course, there are some difficulties that have to do with transition. But in general, there is now unity between Christians and Moslems. For example, a church in the centre of Cairo near Tahrir Square opened their doors for Moslems to do ablution before beginning their prayers. These are things we want to see continue.

How do you see the process leading up to the presidential election due to hold before June this year?

I must say the past year was not easy. The presidential election will be another challenge for us. The challenge of people expressing their opinions and choosing their leader in a free and transparent manner like the election that took place in Cameroon.

Is the majority of Islamic parties in the new Parliament not going to affect relations with other countries?

First, I must explain that Islam is a liberal religion; a liberal culture. The wrong impression some people get from extremists is that Islam is against freedom, transparency, liberty and human rights. The parties with Islamic background in Egypt are now more pragmatic because what the people are looking forward to is political and economic development, to get jobs, fight corruption, improve education and health and not to teach them how to pray or make Ramadan!

How do you see the future of Egypt under the continuing revolution?

The future of Egypt can be seen from the empowerment of the people. The people have been empowered and this will shape the future of the country and many other developments in the region.

How do you assess current relations with Cameroon?

They have improved in several ways such as in the areas of education, the economy and cultural exchanges, etc.