Egyptians often use a popular proverb to express the necessity of taking responsibility for complex and unexpected situations. It places the burden logically on those who caused such complications, saying with utmost clarity: ‘He who summoned the genie must dismiss it.‘
In what seems like an unrelated but deeply connected context, there is reason to recall this simple yet powerful saying, especially amidst the ongoing political events these days. We pray they pass peacefully.
The people, across all segments and classes, led a great and glorious revolution, resulting in the loss of more than a thousand martyrs, over a thousand missing individuals, and thousands of injured. This revolution forced a pharaoh and his priests to step down, compelling the military (at least morally) to support it and align with those pursuing justice. A Supreme Council of the Armed Forces was announced as the de facto ruler of the country, regardless of the formation of what were called caretaker governments. The people, in their eagerness, appreciated and welcomed the army’s stance amidst this foggy situation.
However, the revolution’s demands were not fulfilled immediately after what was called the ‘Fall of the regime.’ That moment was historically and consensually the most opportune for all political factions, revolutionaries, and ordinary participants who had achieved this miracle. Instead, we entered a complex phase of division over labels and interests in a political cake that, in reality, did not even exist.
We now face a conflict created by a constitutional declaration that appeared democratic in form but was chaotic in substance. The masses voted on specific provisions, yet the council produced a long and obscure document of additional articles that no one reviewed or voted on. This created a divide where those advocating for a ‘constitution first’ approach seem to have a logical right, while those prioritizing ‘elections first’ appear to have a democratic one.
The people were burdened with a government under Shafik, nearly sparking another revolution before it was removed—or perhaps it resigned. Then Sharaf, coming from the square, led a cabinet that was largely imposed, not to mention a reshuffle of governors that can only be described as a disgrace to the revolution and its supporters. Some of the people rose in protest (or a portion of them), demanding Sharaf, the symbol of the square, to form another government. Meanwhile, the calls for achieving the revolution’s rightful demands persist—regardless of whether a constitution or elections come first. Chief among these demands is the swift, fair, and just trial of those responsible for the deaths of protesters, delivering justice for the blood of the martyrs. Instead, we have seen only superficial arrangements for trials, marked by weak legal procedures, leaving judges (who seem too preoccupied with vacations) with no option but to release the accused and, at times, even acquit them.
Honorable Field Marshal, esteemed members and leaders of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, including the visibly frustrated Mr. Al-Fangari on television, there was a critical and ideal moment at the start of this great revolution. You possessed—and still possess—the power to guide it along its purifying and ideal course, which remains unachieved. You assumed leadership after 18 days of secrets behind closed doors in the Egyptian political decision-making kitchen, shrouded in mystery and lacking transparency. Subsequently, decisions and statements were made that succeeded only in widening the gap between factions and complicating the pursuit of justice day by day—again, from behind the same closed doors.
While it is true that we dream of those doors being opened and all details since the revolution’s inception being revealed, it may be wise to overlook these matters for now in favor of returning to the correct path. Every state has its political secrets—let alone military ones. Perhaps it is better to wait for history, which will one day uncover these truths, whether some like it or not. For now, however, it seems there is no alternative but for your esteemed council to dismiss the genie you ‘summoned’ unnecessarily. We may not know how, as we were never behind those doors. Yet, it remains your responsibility in this delicate phase, balancing logical rights against perceived democratic ones, in a scene you created. The revolution is losing the true meaning of its name day by day.
This article is originally published by AlBorsa in Arabic and later AI-translated by South Push.