In a recent propaganda video, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi warned of foreign attempts to destabilize Egypt following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Sisi emphasized the need for national unity to guard against chaos, while Egyptian security forces cracked down on celebrations by Syrian refugees, highlighting the regime’s sensitivity to perceived threats.
In the wake of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapse, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has expressed grave concerns regarding potential destabilization in Egypt. A recent propaganda video aired on an intelligence-operated television network features a compilation of Sisi’s past speeches, warning that unnamed forces aim to replicate Syria’s chaos in Egypt. He stated that these forces have already achieved their objectives in Syria, and now seek to topple Egypt’s government. Sisi emphasized the importance of national unity in preventing similar turmoil, asserting, ‘As long as Egyptians are united, with their army and police forces, no one will be able to do anything.’ While Sisi promises to safeguard Egypt’s security, there appears to be a crackdown on Syrians within the country, with recent reports of detentions following celebrations of Assad’s fall.
The context of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s warnings lies in the recent uprisings in Syria, which resulted in the ousting of a long-standing authoritarian regime. This transition has incited fears among other regional leaders about the potential spillover effects of instability. Egypt, having itself experienced a turbulent political landscape, has a vested interest in maintaining domestic stability, especially considering the past upheaval during the Arab Spring. In light of these developments, Sisi’s comments reveal both a defensive posture regarding national security and a determination to maintain control amidst perceived internal and external threats.
President Sisi’s remarks in the aftermath of Assad’s fall reveal his apprehension about the repercussions of political upheaval on Egyptian soil. He underscores a commitment to preserving order and national unity, while simultaneously illustrating a crackdown on Syrian refugees celebrating the regime change. This duality of message indicates a government attentive to both external influences and internal stability, wary of the chaos that could ensue if the Egyptian state were to falter.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net