January 2011 - Activists Call for an Uprising
In Egypt, the country has faced poverty, police brutality, unemployment, and government corruption under the rule of Hosni Mubarak. Millions of protesters from various socio-economic and religious backgrounds demanded to overthrow Mubarak and to have a new constitution. Many constant demonstrations, riots, sit-ins, and strikes occurred throughout Egypt, including Cairo and Alexandria. The main demonstration took place in Tahrir Square where over 300,000 people gathered to protest against Mubarak’s regime. Among the demonstrations, violence spread between police/military forces and activists, leaving many casualties.
February 11, 2011 - Mubarak Steps Down
After weeks of protest from the people of Egypt in Cario's Tahrir Square, Mubarak finally made the decision to resign from his presidential title. The news was announced in a one-minute speech from Vice President Omar Suleiman on state television. He said that Mubarak resigned and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will "run the affairs of the country." When the news of his resignation spread out, many people cheered and celebrated in the square, which is the heart of the protests. By resigning, he handed the power over to the army and he steps down from over three decades of iron-clad rule. The constitution was also suspended and the parliament had to break up and stopped functioning.