Egyptians began voting, on Sunday (Dec 10), in a presidential election overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas while the incumbent President&nbsp;Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is poised to secure a third term in power. The polling began as the country grapples with one of the most severe financial crises in its recent history.&nbsp;

<h2>About the elections</h2>

The voting began at 9:00 am and will go on till 9:00 pm (local time) and will continue for the next three days. The results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;

Voters lined up before the booths opened in Cairo, reported AFP, with patriotic songs playing on a loop amid heavy security. Riot police were deployed at entrances to Tahrir Square in the capital’s centre.&nbsp;

Around 67 million people are eligible to vote but given the low turnout in the previous elections, the government has ramped up efforts to urge voters to cast their ballots.

Sisi is poised to win a new six-year term while critics have called the election a sham after the government’s decade-long crackdown on dissent. However, the state media has called this election a step towards political pluralism.

There are three other candidates qualified to stand against the incumbent, but the only prominent figure who had the potential to give some competition to Sisi stepped down in October citing attacks against his supporters by officials and thugs. The accusations have since been dismissed by the national election authority.&nbsp;

“Of course people need to participate, but let’s be realistic: these elections are set for Sisi, because no one knows the other candidates,” a voter in her fifties told AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Voters also said that they didn’t even know that the elections were happening, but noted that it would make very little difference. “I feel indifferent about the elections because there will be no real change,” Aya Mohamed, a 35-year-old marketing executive told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Economic crisis, war in Gaza on minds</h2>

In 2013, Sisi, while serving as the army chief led the efforts to oust Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, before winning the presidency the following year with 97 per cent of the vote.

Under Sisi’s rule, Egypt has jailed thousands of political dissenters as the crackdown swept up liberal and leftist activists as well as Islamists. However, the incumbent president and his supporters have argued that the crackdown was needed to stabilise Egypt and counter Islamist extremism.&nbsp;

Rights groups reportedly say tens of thousands have been jailed, this is even though around 1,000 people were freed after a presidential pardon in one year.&nbsp;

If Sisi wins, one of his priorities would also include preventing spillover from the war between Israel and Hamas.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s fast-growing population of 104 million is struggling to keep up with the rising inflation in the country.&nbsp;

Inflation has hovered near 40 per cent after the currency lost half its value and drove up the cost of imports, but even before the current crisis, millions of people were living on or below the poverty line.&nbsp;

A report by Reuters said voters were handed out bags containing flour, rice and other basic commodities after showing ink stains on their fingers indicating they had voted. However, some expressed disappointment that it did not include sugar recently subject to sharp price rises.

During Sisi’s rule, the national debt has tripled while the various mega-projects which are often led by the military fail to deliver on their benefits.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Egyptians began voting, on Sunday (Dec 10), in a presidential election overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas while the incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is poised to secure a third term in power.

Egyptians began voting, on Sunday (Dec 10), in a presidential election overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas while the incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is poised to secure a third term in power. The polling began as the country grapples with one of the most severe financial crises in its recent history. About the elections The voting began at 9:00 am and will go on till 9:00 pm (local time) and will continue for the next three days. The results will be announced on December 18. Voters lined up before the booths opened in Cairo, reported AFP, with patriotic songs playing on a loop amid heavy security. Riot police were deployed at entrances to Tahrir Square in the capital’s centre. Around 67 million people are eligible to vote but given the low turnout in the previous elections, the government has ramped up efforts to urge voters to cast their ballots. Sisi is poised to win a new six-year term while critics have called the election a sham after the government’s decade-long crackdown on dissent. However, the state media has called this election a step towards political pluralism. There are three other candidates qualified to stand against the incumbent, but the only prominent figure who had the potential to give some competition to Sisi stepped down in October citing attacks against his supporters by officials and thugs. The accusations have since been dismissed by the national election authority. “Of course people need to participate, but let’s be realistic: these elections are set for Sisi, because no one knows the other candidates,” a voter in her fifties told AFP on condition of anonymity. Voters also said that they didn’t even know that the elections were happening, but noted that it would make very little difference. “I feel indifferent about the elections because there will be no real change,” Aya Mohamed, a 35-year-old marketing executive told Reuters. Economic crisis, war in Gaza on minds In 2013, Sisi, while serving as the army chief led the efforts to oust Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, before winning the presidency the following year with 97 per cent of the vote. Under Sisi’s rule, Egypt has jailed thousands of political dissenters as the crackdown swept up liberal and leftist activists as well as Islamists. However, the incumbent president and his supporters have argued that the crackdown was needed to stabilise Egypt and counter Islamist extremism. Rights groups reportedly say tens of thousands have been jailed, this is even though around 1,000 people were freed after a presidential pardon in one year. If Sisi wins, one of his priorities would also include preventing spillover from the war between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Egypt’s fast-growing population of 104 million is struggling to keep up with the rising inflation in the country. Inflation has hovered near 40 per cent after the currency lost half its value and drove up the cost of imports, but even before the current crisis, millions of people were living on or below the poverty line. A report by Reuters said voters were handed out bags containing flour, rice and other basic commodities after showing ink stains on their fingers indicating they had voted. However, some expressed disappointment that it did not include sugar recently subject to sharp price rises. During Sisi’s rule, the national debt has tripled while the various mega-projects which are often led by the military fail to deliver on their benefits. (With inputs from agencies)

Egyptians cast votes in elections held amid Israel-Hamas war with Sisi almost sure to win

Egypt will hold a presidential vote on Dec. 10-12, the elections authority said on Monday, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi widely expected to win reelection despite an economic crisis including record inflation and foreign currency shortages.

Sisi, 68, can stand for a third term due to constitutional amendments in 2019 that also extended the length of presidential terms to six years from four, opening the way for him to stay in office until at least 2030.

Election results are expected to be announced on Dec. 18 and, in the event of a run off round, final results should be announced on Jan. 16 at the latest, the election authority said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-president-pardons-jailed-activist-ahmed-douma-others-627001">Egypt’s president pardons jailed activist Ahmed Douma, several others</a> 
 
Though Sisi has not formally announced his candidacy, pro-government parties have started a campaign including billboards around Cairo backing his reelection.

Sisi was declared winner of both the 2014 and 2018 elections with 97% of the vote. In 2018 he faced just one opponent, himself an ardent Sisi supporter, after the main challenger was arrested and other hopefuls pulled out, citing intimidation.

Four other candidates have expressed an intention to run this time, most prominently a former member of parliament, Ahmed Eltantawy, who says security services have arrested some of his associates and blocked him from holding election events. Officials have not responded to his allegations.

Former army chief Sisi became president in 2014, the year after he led the overthrow of democratically elected Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, following protests against Mursi's rule.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-strapped-egypt-resorts-to-selling-state-assets-to-gulf-nations-562249">Dollar-strapped Egypt resorts to selling state assets to Gulf nations</a>

Analysts say Sisi retains the backing of the security services, most importantly the army, which has become more powerful and expanded its economic influence.

Sisi's presidency has been marked by a crackdown on dissent across the political spectrum.

Sisi and his backers said the measures were needed to bring stability after the 2011 ousting of former president Hosni Mubarak in the "Arab Spring" uprisings and pave the way for economic development.

Activists say tens of thousands have been jailed since 2013, often without fair trials, and that the crackdown has continued despite the pardoning of some high-profile prisoners and the launch of a national political dialogue. 
 
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Egypt will hold a presidential vote on Dec. 10-12, the elections authority said on Monday, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi widely expected to win reelection despite an economic crisis including record inflation and foreign currency shortages.

Egypt will hold a presidential vote on Dec. 10-12, the elections authority said on Monday, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi widely expected to win reelection despite an economic crisis including record inflation and foreign currency shortages. Sisi, 68, can stand for a third term due to constitutional amendments in 2019 that also extended the length of presidential terms to six years from four, opening the way for him to stay in office until at least 2030. Election results are expected to be announced on Dec. 18 and, in the event of a run off round, final results should be announced on Jan. 16 at the latest, the election authority said. ALSO READ | Egypt’s president pardons jailed activist Ahmed Douma, several others Though Sisi has not formally announced his candidacy, pro-government parties have started a campaign including billboards around Cairo backing his reelection. Sisi was declared winner of both the 2014 and 2018 elections with 97% of the vote. In 2018 he faced just one opponent, himself an ardent Sisi supporter, after the main challenger was arrested and other hopefuls pulled out, citing intimidation. Four other candidates have expressed an intention to run this time, most prominently a former member of parliament, Ahmed Eltantawy, who says security services have arrested some of his associates and blocked him from holding election events. Officials have not responded to his allegations. Former army chief Sisi became president in 2014, the year after he led the overthrow of democratically elected Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, following protests against Mursi's rule. ALSO READ | Dollar-strapped Egypt resorts to selling state assets to Gulf nations Analysts say Sisi retains the backing of the security services, most importantly the army, which has become more powerful and expanded its economic influence. Sisi's presidency has been marked by a crackdown on dissent across the political spectrum. Sisi and his backers said the measures were needed to bring stability after the 2011 ousting of former president Hosni Mubarak in the "Arab Spring" uprisings and pave the way for economic development. Activists say tens of thousands have been jailed since 2013, often without fair trials, and that the crackdown has continued despite the pardoning of some high-profile prisoners and the launch of a national political dialogue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Egypt to hold presidential elections in December, Sisi expected to win

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned a number of prisoners, including prominent activist and leading figure of the country’s 2011 uprising, Ahmed Douma, on Saturday (August 19), reported the state TV and confirmed his lawyers. Douma, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison four years ago for rioting and attacking security forces, has received a presidential pardon, said his lawyers.&nbsp;

<h2>Presidential pardons and Douma’s release</h2>

A member of the presidential pardons committee, lawyer Tarek Elawady, said that the president has “used his constitutional powers” to pardon several prisoners, including Douma, as per AFP. This also comes months ahead of the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 2024.

Douma, now 37, like several other prominent activists in Egypt was jailed following a crackdown, in 2013. This was after the military ouster of toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak’s successor, Islamist Mohamed Morsi.&nbsp;

Speaking about the activist’s release, prominent rights lawyer Khaled Ali took to social media and said he was waiting outside Badr prison on the outskirts of the capital Cairo for Douma.&nbsp;

<h2>Work of the ‘devil’: Douma’s case and sentencing</h2>

While delivering the activist’s verdict the judge said Douma was part of a crowd that broke into parliament and damaged part of it and described the act as them doing the work of the “devil”. Douma was sentenced by court in 2019, on charges of clashing with security forces in the capital.&nbsp;

The 15-year sentence, in 2019, was lessened after the previous 25-year sentence was handed down, in 2015. Egypt’s top appeals court later in 2019, upheld the 15-year sentence, which also included a fine of six million Egyptian pounds ($372,000 at the time).

The 37-year-old was among the key activists from the revolution who continued to remain behind bars, including British-Egyptian pro-democracy blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has been jailed for nearly a decade now.&nbsp;

The incumbent president and former army chief who spearheaded Morsi’s ouster has been accused of leading a relentless crackdown on both pro-democracy campaigners and Islamists during his time in office.

While the incumbent president has pardoned numerous prominent figures over the past year, critics argue that recently arrested people have taken their place.&nbsp;

A report by AFP citing Egyptian rights monitors said since April 2022, officials have released 1,000 political prisoners but also detained nearly 3,000.

Last month, Egyptian rights researcher Patrick Zaki and lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer were also pardoned by al-Sisi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned a number of prisoners, including prominent activist and leading figure of the country’s 2011 uprising, Ahmed Douma, on Saturday (August 19), reported the state TV and confirmed his lawyers.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned a number of prisoners, including prominent activist and leading figure of the country’s 2011 uprising, Ahmed Douma, on Saturday (August 19), reported the state TV and confirmed his lawyers. Douma, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison four years ago for rioting and attacking security forces, has received a presidential pardon, said his lawyers. Presidential pardons and Douma’s release A member of the presidential pardons committee, lawyer Tarek Elawady, said that the president has “used his constitutional powers” to pardon several prisoners, including Douma, as per AFP. This also comes months ahead of the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 2024. Douma, now 37, like several other prominent activists in Egypt was jailed following a crackdown, in 2013. This was after the military ouster of toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak’s successor, Islamist Mohamed Morsi. Speaking about the activist’s release, prominent rights lawyer Khaled Ali took to social media and said he was waiting outside Badr prison on the outskirts of the capital Cairo for Douma. Work of the ‘devil’: Douma’s case and sentencing While delivering the activist’s verdict the judge said Douma was part of a crowd that broke into parliament and damaged part of it and described the act as them doing the work of the “devil”. Douma was sentenced by court in 2019, on charges of clashing with security forces in the capital. The 15-year sentence, in 2019, was lessened after the previous 25-year sentence was handed down, in 2015. Egypt’s top appeals court later in 2019, upheld the 15-year sentence, which also included a fine of six million Egyptian pounds ($372,000 at the time). The 37-year-old was among the key activists from the revolution who continued to remain behind bars, including British-Egyptian pro-democracy blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has been jailed for nearly a decade now. The incumbent president and former army chief who spearheaded Morsi’s ouster has been accused of leading a relentless crackdown on both pro-democracy campaigners and Islamists during his time in office. While the incumbent president has pardoned numerous prominent figures over the past year, critics argue that recently arrested people have taken their place. A report by AFP citing Egyptian rights monitors said since April 2022, officials have released 1,000 political prisoners but also detained nearly 3,000. Last month, Egyptian rights researcher Patrick Zaki and lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer were also pardoned by al-Sisi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Egypt’s president pardons jailed activist Ahmed Douma, several others

Egypt is racing to prepare a grandiose new capital city in the desert east of Cairo before the first civil servants move in this summer and ahead of the delayed official opening of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's flagship project.&nbsp;

At the heart of the city, workers are putting finishing touches to an avenue of ministries that echo the architecture of pharaonic temples and adjoin a raised Islamic complex, two domed parliament buildings and a sprawling presidential compound.&nbsp;

There will be a monorail passing through a business district where a 385-metre central tower is close to completion. Beyond, the contours of a 10km park stretching to a giant mosque are taking shape.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-egypt-is-relocating-its-capital-city-371514">Watch |</a>

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The city, known simply as the New Administrative Capital, is designed to operate with smart technology on virgin land away from the clutter and chaos of Cairo. It will boast universities, leisure facilities and a diplomatic quarter.&nbsp;

But it has made halting progress, and after Emirati funding fell through shortly after it was announced in 2015, the military and government took on the estimated $25 billion cost of the first phase, injecting off-budget investment.&nbsp;

Some foreign loans and financing have been secured.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic also slowed progress, and the first of three planned phases, covering 168 square kilometres, will not be completed when the government begins to move in.&nbsp;

"The rate of completion of the first phase has passed 60% across all projects," said Khaled el-Husseiny, spokesman for the new capital.&nbsp;

He added that the delayed transfer of civil servants would begin in July, ahead of an official opening planned for the end of 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Egypt is racing to prepare a grandiose new capital city in the desert east of Cairo before the first civil servants move in this summer and ahead of the delayed official opening of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's flagship project.

Egypt is racing to prepare a grandiose new capital city in the desert east of Cairo before the first civil servants move in this summer and ahead of the delayed official opening of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's flagship project. At the heart of the city, workers are putting finishing touches to an avenue of ministries that echo the architecture of pharaonic temples and adjoin a raised Islamic complex, two domed parliament buildings and a sprawling presidential compound. There will be a monorail passing through a business district where a 385-metre central tower is close to completion. Beyond, the contours of a 10km park stretching to a giant mosque are taking shape. Watch | The city, known simply as the New Administrative Capital, is designed to operate with smart technology on virgin land away from the clutter and chaos of Cairo. It will boast universities, leisure facilities and a diplomatic quarter. But it has made halting progress, and after Emirati funding fell through shortly after it was announced in 2015, the military and government took on the estimated $25 billion cost of the first phase, injecting off-budget investment. Some foreign loans and financing have been secured. The coronavirus pandemic also slowed progress, and the first of three planned phases, covering 168 square kilometres, will not be completed when the government begins to move in. "The rate of completion of the first phase has passed 60% across all projects," said Khaled el-Husseiny, spokesman for the new capital. He added that the delayed transfer of civil servants would begin in July, ahead of an official opening planned for the end of 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt looks to move to new capital, away from chaos of Cairo 

Rare small protests broke out on Friday in Cairo and other Egyptian cities calling for the removal of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi but police quickly dispersed them, AFP journalists reported.

Dozens of people joined night-time demonstrations around Tahrir Square the epicenter of the 2011 revolution that toppled the country's long-time autocratic leader.

Such demonstrations are rare after Egypt effectively banned protests under a law passed following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi.

Amid a heavy security presence, including riot police and plainclothes police officers, protesters were rounded up.

AFP journalists saw at least five protesters being arrested and police firing tear gas at demonstrators around the square.

Under the rule of general-turned-president Sisi, who led Morsi's ouster, authorities have launched a broad crackdown on dissidents, jailing thousands of Islamists as well as secular activists and popular bloggers.

Footage of the demonstrations, in which dozens chant "Leave Sisi", was shared online using the hashtag #Tahrir_Square, which was trending worldwide.

Along the road overlooking the Nile, close to the square, AFP journalists reported seeing small groups of people chanting anti-Sisi slogans after the rapid dispersal.

The protests come on the back of Mohamed Ali, a disgruntled exiled Egyptian businessman, demanding the toppling of Sisi.

The construction contractor has been posting viral videos from Spain since the beginning of September accusing Sisi and the military of rampant corruption.

Sisi flatly denied the allegations last week at a youth conference assuring Egyptians he "was honest and faithful" to his people and the military.

In his latest video posted early Friday morning on his growing social media accounts, Ali urged Egyptians to head to the streets after a highly anticipated football match between Cairo powerhouses Al Ahly and Zamalek in the Super Cup.

Widely shared videos online have also shown scattered protests varying in numbers in Alexandria, Al-Mahalla, Damietta, and Suez.

Rare small protests broke out on Friday in Cairo and other Egyptian cities calling for the removal of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi but police quickly dispersed them, AFP journalists reported.

Rare small protests broke out on Friday in Cairo and other Egyptian cities calling for the removal of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi but police quickly dispersed them, AFP journalists reported. Dozens of people joined night-time demonstrations around Tahrir Square the epicenter of the 2011 revolution that toppled the country's long-time autocratic leader. Such demonstrations are rare after Egypt effectively banned protests under a law passed following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi. Amid a heavy security presence, including riot police and plainclothes police officers, protesters were rounded up. AFP journalists saw at least five protesters being arrested and police firing tear gas at demonstrators around the square. Under the rule of general-turned-president Sisi, who led Morsi's ouster, authorities have launched a broad crackdown on dissidents, jailing thousands of Islamists as well as secular activists and popular bloggers. Footage of the demonstrations, in which dozens chant "Leave Sisi", was shared online using the hashtag #Tahrir_Square, which was trending worldwide. Along the road overlooking the Nile, close to the square, AFP journalists reported seeing small groups of people chanting anti-Sisi slogans after the rapid dispersal. The protests come on the back of Mohamed Ali, a disgruntled exiled Egyptian businessman, demanding the toppling of Sisi. The construction contractor has been posting viral videos from Spain since the beginning of September accusing Sisi and the military of rampant corruption. Sisi flatly denied the allegations last week at a youth conference assuring Egyptians he "was honest and faithful" to his people and the military. In his latest video posted early Friday morning on his growing social media accounts, Ali urged Egyptians to head to the streets after a highly anticipated football match between Cairo powerhouses Al Ahly and Zamalek in the Super Cup. Widely shared videos online have also shown scattered protests varying in numbers in Alexandria, Al-Mahalla, Damietta, and Suez.

Anti-Sisi protests break out in Egypt, several arrested

Egypt will host Chinese telecom company <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theres-no-way-the-us-can-crush-us-huawei-founder-ren-zhengfei-198211">Huawei's first cloud data platform</a> in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt's telecom ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Huawei will create its own cloud computing through the data centre of Telecom Egypt", a statement by the ministry said Monday, referring to the North African country's state owned telecom company.

The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding to establish <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-us-concerns-over-huawei-groundless-196926">Huawei's "first cloud computing</a> in Africa and the Middle East" on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the statement added.

Cloud computing technology is a means of storing and accessing data over the internet instead of on hardware devices.&nbsp;

Huawei is a major seller of handsets in Egypt.

The firm is seeking to expand in Africa -&nbsp;including through surveillance technology, on a continent where personal data protection laws are less stringent than in Europe.

A report by four human rights groups last July said Egypt had acquired from France powerful digital surveillance tools under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who critics say has launched a wide-ranging crackdown against opponents.

The acquisitions had "helped establish an Orwellian surveillance and control architecture that is being used to eradicate all forms of dissent," said the report, authored by French and local groups, including the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. &nbsp;

Egypt's telecom ministry said the MoU with Huawei covers only "services to individuals and small and medium enterprises" and does not extend to governmental services.

In the last year, the United States has stepped up pressure on its allies to block Huawei from building 5G networks, alleging its technology could be exploited by China's government to carry out espionage -- a claim strongly denied by the telecom giant. 
&nbsp;

Egypt will host Chinese telecom company Huawei's first cloud data platform in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt's telecom ministry said in a statement. "Huawei will create its own cloud computing through the data centre of Telecom Egypt", a statement by the ministry said Monday, referring to the North African country's state owned telecom company.

Egypt will host Chinese telecom company Huawei's first cloud data platform in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt's telecom ministry said in a statement. "Huawei will create its own cloud computing through the data centre of Telecom Egypt", a statement by the ministry said Monday, referring to the North African country's state owned telecom company. The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding to establish Huawei's "first cloud computing in Africa and the Middle East" on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the statement added. Cloud computing technology is a means of storing and accessing data over the internet instead of on hardware devices. Huawei is a major seller of handsets in Egypt. The firm is seeking to expand in Africa - including through surveillance technology, on a continent where personal data protection laws are less stringent than in Europe. A report by four human rights groups last July said Egypt had acquired from France powerful digital surveillance tools under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who critics say has launched a wide-ranging crackdown against opponents. The acquisitions had "helped establish an Orwellian surveillance and control architecture that is being used to eradicate all forms of dissent," said the report, authored by French and local groups, including the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. Egypt's telecom ministry said the MoU with Huawei covers only "services to individuals and small and medium enterprises" and does not extend to governmental services. In the last year, the United States has stepped up pressure on its allies to block Huawei from building 5G networks, alleging its technology could be exploited by China's government to carry out espionage -- a claim strongly denied by the telecom giant.

Egypt to host Huawei's first MENA cloud platform: Cairo

Egypt&#39;s military and police forces have killed a total of 53 Islamist militants and arrested 680 suspects in a week-long offensive to crush insurgents that are focused on the Sinai Peninsula, a military spokesman said on Thursday.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is seeking re-election in March, ordered the armed forces in November to defeat militants within three months after an attack on a mosque in Sinai killed more than 300 people.

The attack was the deadliest of its kind in Egypt, which is the Arab world`s most populous country and a main regional ally of the United States.

The security operation, which involves the army, navy, air force and police, began last Friday and targeted &quot;terrorist and criminal elements and organisations&quot; in the north and central Sinai, parts of the Nile delta and the western desert, Colonel Tamer al-Rifai told a news conference broadcast on state television on Thursday.

He said forces have destroyed over 1000 kg (2205 lbs) of explosives, 378 militant hideouts and weapon storage facilities including a media centre used by the militants.

He added that 680 people, some of them suspected militants or wanted criminals, were also detained in the operation.

The air force, which has carried out more than 100 airstrikes in northern and central Sinai since the operation began, has focused on militant hideouts outside residential areas to avoid hitting civilians, air force Brigadier General Alaa Dawara said.

Major General Yasser Abdel Aziz of the Military Operations Authority said the operation would end when Sinai was free of &quot;terrorists&quot;.

&quot;It could be extended or shortened according to the situation and that is what will be determined in the coming days,&quot; Abdel Aziz told journalists.

He said after the military operation, Egyptian authorities would push ahead with a comprehensive development plan for Sinai.

Outside the peninsula, the Egyptian military said the operation would cover parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert, where other militants have waged attacks, some believed to be staged out of neighbouring Libya.

The insurgency poses the greatest challenge to the government in a country that is both the most populous in the Arab World and a main regional ally of the United States.

Islamist insurgents have been targeting security forces since 2013 when the army led by Sisi, then the army chief, ousted President Mohamed Mursi, of the Muslim Brotherhood, following mass protests against his rule.

Some local residents have raised concerns over food and medicine shortages in the peninsula after the army blocked all access to the area.

Rifai said the armed forces have cooperated closely with local authorities to coordinate the delivery of food, medical assistance and other supplies in compliance with local and international laws and human rights norms.

The attack was the deadliest of its kind in Egypt, which is the Arab world's most populous country and a main regional ally of the United States

Egypt's military and police forces have killed a total of 53 Islamist militants and arrested 680 suspects in a week-long offensive to crush insurgents that are focused on the Sinai Peninsula, a military spokesman said on Thursday. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is seeking re-election in March, ordered the armed forces in November to defeat militants within three months after an attack on a mosque in Sinai killed more than 300 people. The attack was the deadliest of its kind in Egypt, which is the Arab world`s most populous country and a main regional ally of the United States. The security operation, which involves the army, navy, air force and police, began last Friday and targeted "terrorist and criminal elements and organisations" in the north and central Sinai, parts of the Nile delta and the western desert, Colonel Tamer al-Rifai told a news conference broadcast on state television on Thursday. He said forces have destroyed over 1000 kg (2205 lbs) of explosives, 378 militant hideouts and weapon storage facilities including a media centre used by the militants. He added that 680 people, some of them suspected militants or wanted criminals, were also detained in the operation. The air force, which has carried out more than 100 airstrikes in northern and central Sinai since the operation began, has focused on militant hideouts outside residential areas to avoid hitting civilians, air force Brigadier General Alaa Dawara said. Major General Yasser Abdel Aziz of the Military Operations Authority said the operation would end when Sinai was free of "terrorists". "It could be extended or shortened according to the situation and that is what will be determined in the coming days," Abdel Aziz told journalists. He said after the military operation, Egyptian authorities would push ahead with a comprehensive development plan for Sinai. Outside the peninsula, the Egyptian military said the operation would cover parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert, where other militants have waged attacks, some believed to be staged out of neighbouring Libya. The insurgency poses the greatest challenge to the government in a country that is both the most populous in the Arab World and a main regional ally of the United States. Islamist insurgents have been targeting security forces since 2013 when the army led by Sisi, then the army chief, ousted President Mohamed Mursi, of the Muslim Brotherhood, following mass protests against his rule. Some local residents have raised concerns over food and medicine shortages in the peninsula after the army blocked all access to the area. Rifai said the armed forces have cooperated closely with local authorities to coordinate the delivery of food, medical assistance and other supplies in compliance with local and international laws and human rights norms.

53 militants killed in massive security operation: Egypt's military

Six years after Hosni Mubarak was forced from power, the activists behind Egypt&#39;s 2011 uprising are facing a new crackdown and struggling to see much reason for hope.

Rights groups accuse President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of cracking down on freedoms won during the revolt, with many activists now facing prison, asset freezes and travel bans.

Critics of the former army chief -- who was elected after he toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 -- say Sisi does not tolerate any dissent.

&quot;The situation is miserable,&quot; said Esraa Abdel Fattah, a 38-year-old activist now banned from travel, as she passed by Cairo&#39;s Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the January 2011 uprising.

Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians protested in the square for 18 days, setting up tents and makeshift hospitals, and demanding an end to Mubarak&#39;s 30-year rule.

&quot;I&#39;m sad for the blood that has gone to waste,&quot; Abdel Fattah said, remembering the hundreds killed in the streets as security forces tried to suppress the protests.

Ahmad, a 32-year-old pharmacist who only gave his first name, also took part in the 2011 demonstrations.

&quot;Before, I was ready to die for this country, now I just want to leave,&quot; he said.

&quot;I have transitioned from struggling for democracy and human rights to fighting a daily battle to provide for my family&#39;s basic needs,&quot; Ahmad said.

&quot;It&#39;s a daily struggle for survival,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;&#39;Latent anger&#39;&nbsp; 
Egyptians have faced shortages of basic goods such as medicine and sugar in past months, with prices soaring after the government floated the currency and slashed fuel subsidies in November.

Those measures were part of economic reforms to meet conditions for a $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, which was approved later the same month.

&quot;There is latent anger&quot; because of the economic situation, political scientist Mai Mogib said.

&quot;But despite this, nobody wants another revolution. Egyptians are exhausted after a revolt that didn&#39;t produce the results they were hoping for,&quot; she said.

In the months after the ouster of Morsi, Egypt&#39;s first democratically elected civilian president, hundreds of his Islamist supporters were killed and thousands more jailed.

The crackdown then expanded to leftist and secular activists, with scores in jail on accused of participating in unauthorised street protests.

Egypt has also been investigating civil society groups on suspicion of receiving illegal foreign funding in a controversial probe criticised by the United Nations.

This month, a court ordered a freeze on the assets of Nazra for Feminist Studies and its founder Mozn Hassan, as well as of Mohamed Zaree and his Arab Penal Reform Organisation.

It came after the assets of five other human rights defenders and three non-governmental organisations were frozen in September over similar accusations.

&nbsp;&#39;Back to square one&#39;&nbsp; 
&quot;The revolution is back to square one,&quot; said Hassan, who also issued a travel ban a few months ago. &nbsp;

&quot;We have to defend ourselves in court against accusations (of crimes) we didn&#39;t commit,&quot; the 37-year-old said.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have described the travel bans as &quot;part of a larger campaign to suppress independent, critical voices inside the country&quot;.

The secular April 6 movement, one of the groups that called for the January 25 protests in 2011 and helped ignite the uprising, has been banned by the authorities.

Ahmed Maher, 36, one of its founders and a leading figure in the 2011 revolt, was released earlier this month after spending three years in prison on accusations he organised an unauthorised protest.

But for the next three years, he must spend 12 hours each night at a police station near his home.

&quot;I&#39;m a half-prisoner,&quot; Maher said.&nbsp;

Journalist Ahmad Gamal Ziada, a photojournalist who spent two years in jail after his arrest at a protest he was covering, is just as disillusioned.

&quot;We&#39;re exhausted,&quot; he said.

(AFP)

Rights groups accuse President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of cracking down on freedoms won during the revolt

Six years after Hosni Mubarak was forced from power, the activists behind Egypt's 2011 uprising are facing a new crackdown and struggling to see much reason for hope. Rights groups accuse President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of cracking down on freedoms won during the revolt, with many activists now facing prison, asset freezes and travel bans. Critics of the former army chief -- who was elected after he toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 -- say Sisi does not tolerate any dissent. "The situation is miserable," said Esraa Abdel Fattah, a 38-year-old activist now banned from travel, as she passed by Cairo's Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the January 2011 uprising. Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians protested in the square for 18 days, setting up tents and makeshift hospitals, and demanding an end to Mubarak's 30-year rule. "I'm sad for the blood that has gone to waste," Abdel Fattah said, remembering the hundreds killed in the streets as security forces tried to suppress the protests. Ahmad, a 32-year-old pharmacist who only gave his first name, also took part in the 2011 demonstrations. "Before, I was ready to die for this country, now I just want to leave," he said. "I have transitioned from struggling for democracy and human rights to fighting a daily battle to provide for my family's basic needs," Ahmad said. "It's a daily struggle for survival," he said. 'Latent anger' Egyptians have faced shortages of basic goods such as medicine and sugar in past months, with prices soaring after the government floated the currency and slashed fuel subsidies in November. Those measures were part of economic reforms to meet conditions for a $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, which was approved later the same month. "There is latent anger" because of the economic situation, political scientist Mai Mogib said. "But despite this, nobody wants another revolution. Egyptians are exhausted after a revolt that didn't produce the results they were hoping for," she said. In the months after the ouster of Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected civilian president, hundreds of his Islamist supporters were killed and thousands more jailed. The crackdown then expanded to leftist and secular activists, with scores in jail on accused of participating in unauthorised street protests. Egypt has also been investigating civil society groups on suspicion of receiving illegal foreign funding in a controversial probe criticised by the United Nations. This month, a court ordered a freeze on the assets of Nazra for Feminist Studies and its founder Mozn Hassan, as well as of Mohamed Zaree and his Arab Penal Reform Organisation. It came after the assets of five other human rights defenders and three non-governmental organisations were frozen in September over similar accusations. 'Back to square one' "The revolution is back to square one," said Hassan, who also issued a travel ban a few months ago. "We have to defend ourselves in court against accusations (of crimes) we didn't commit," the 37-year-old said. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have described the travel bans as "part of a larger campaign to suppress independent, critical voices inside the country". The secular April 6 movement, one of the groups that called for the January 25 protests in 2011 and helped ignite the uprising, has been banned by the authorities. Ahmed Maher, 36, one of its founders and a leading figure in the 2011 revolt, was released earlier this month after spending three years in prison on accusations he organised an unauthorised protest. But for the next three years, he must spend 12 hours each night at a police station near his home. "I'm a half-prisoner," Maher said. Journalist Ahmad Gamal Ziada, a photojournalist who spent two years in jail after his arrest at a protest he was covering, is just as disillusioned. "We're exhausted," he said. (AFP)

Six years on, Egypt activists worry uprising 'gone to waste'