Egypt’s Interim President Adly Mansour Appoints a Prime Minister and a Deputy

Egypt’s head of state and interim President Adly Mansour appointed a prime minister and a vice-president on Tuesday. Former Finance Minister and liberal economist Hazem el-Beblawi was appointed interim prime minister while former diplomat to the United Nations, party leader, and Nobel peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei was assigned to tackle foreign affairs as deputy president. The move towards political stability in the country was lauded by surrounding Gulf States.

The other members of PM Beblawi’s technocratic government are yet to be announced, though the inclusion of Islamists is unlikely. Beblawi’s appointment gained the approval of the Islamist and ultra-orthodox Salafi Al Nour Party. ElBaradei was initially considered as prime minister appointee, but the Salafi Al-Nour Party blocked his appointment.

Speedy transition to civilian rule

Interim President Adly Mansour, a judge was installed to the presidency after Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi was removed. Mansour also announced that a general election is to be expected in the next six months. The appointments served as assurance that the military-backed interim presidency is fast tracking the transition to civilian rule.

In the meantime, crowds gathered at Rabaa Adawiya to somberly mourn those who had fallen in the violent events on Monday that cost 55 protesters their lives. A teacher, Sherif Mohamed, said that they are determined, fearless, and will continue making their stand. The protesters accused the army of covering up their actions and falsifying events. Amnesty International is currently onsite to investigate the alleged use of disproportionate force by the troops.

Under pressure

The appointments were declared a few days after the army overthrew Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s “first freely elected president.” The ousted leader is now under house arrest. At the wake of these events, Egypt is divided more than ever. The Army is now under pressure after a recent clash with the Islamists causing 55 fatalities, all of whom were supporters of the ousted Morsi.

Meanwhile, the army declared its continued resolve to face challenges assailing the country and warned officials against political maneuvering. The Egyptian army successfully removed the Muslim Brotherhood from power and in turn received $8 billion in aid from Gulf States. Saudi Arabia’s aid to Egypt has been approved, amounting to $5 billion. The United Arab Emirates approved a $1 billion grant and has lent $2 billion more.

“Moving in the right direction”

In a statement to the press, Defense Minister and head of Egypt’s armed forces, General. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi made assurances that the interim head of state’s declarations, election and charter plans are steering the country toward the right direction. General Al Sissi led the troops that ousted the Muslim Brotherhood leader said that the military remains vigilant in tackling the prevalent issues and recognized the difficult circumstances at the present time. The general also expressed his greetings on the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.

Mansour had earlier announced plans to draw an interim constitution, which despite criticism from various local groups gained the approval of the United States. The US was at first concerned about the eruption of violence upon Morsi’s removal.

Photo Credit: Interim president of Egypt Adly Mansour