Why does Egypt declare state of emergency?

CAIRO – 5 May 2020: The Parliament’s general committee, headed by Speaker Ali Abdel Aal, approved in a plenary session on Monday a presidential decree to declare a state of emergency nationwide for three months to combat security and health challenges facing the country.

This is the eleventh time the state of emergency has been renewed since it was first imposed on April 10, 2017 following the bombings that took place in two churches and claimed the lives of 47 people.

The decision is effective as of April 28, 2020, where the Armed Forces and the Police Authority will take necessary measures to combat terrorism and its funding sources; maintain security throughout the country; protect public and private properties; and protect the lives of citizens.

The decision further provides that anyone who violates the orders issued by the president, implementing the provisions referred to in Law No. 162 of 1985, will be sentenced to imprisonment.

“The world lives in a health emergency and it calls for imposing a state of emergency. Fortunately, the emergency is declared [in our country] but no one watches or feels it, because it is only announced to combat terrorism,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aaal.

In the following lines, Egypt Today displays the reasons behind applying an emergency status:

- The decision is considered important to combat security and health challenges facing Egypt at the current stage.

- Comes as part of the state’s continued efforts to uproot terrorism and confront those who plan to destabilize the state.

- The decision will enable security and armed forces to work efficiently to stop the sources of terrorism and prevent its dangers.

- It also enables state agencies to confront the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

- The government renewed its commitment that exceptional measures will only be used to the extent that ensures a balance between protecting public liberties and national security.