Egypt's Stability at Risk: Sisi Warns of 2011 Scenario and 'Conspiracy' Against National Memory

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued a stark warning, stating that Egypt faces severe consequences and threats to its stability and endurance if it experiences a repeat of the unrest seen in 2011. He highlighted the immense cost of the nation's 14-year fight against terrorism, which has exceeded LE120 billion, in addition to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and injured citizens.

Speaking at the 44th Educational Symposium of the Armed Forces, themed “Nation of Heroes,” on the 53rd anniversary of the October Victory, President Sisi underscored that preserving the state and its institutions is a paramount national priority. He acknowledged the fierce war against terrorism that has secured safety and stability, but cautioned that ongoing efforts to undermine national awareness and manipulate collective memory remain significant challenges.

The president elaborated on the recent surge in rumors and deliberate attempts to distort public perception and incite unrest, characterizing these as tactics aimed at destabilizing Egypt and fostering internal turmoil. He emphasized that combating these threats is a collective responsibility, requiring joint efforts from both the state and society to enhance awareness, disseminate accurate information, and ensure individuals fulfill their roles.

President Sisi urged Egyptians of all ages and backgrounds to remain steadfast in protecting their country from what he described as conspiracy attempts. "Fortify your country against this conspiracy… I am not saying fortify the president," he stated, warning against campaigns designed to erode national memory and weaken citizens' ability to discern truth from falsehood. He asserted that national memory is a nation's primary defense, and any distortion thereof jeopardizes its future and stability.

Reflecting on the critical periods of 2011-2013, Sisi noted that Egypt was divinely preserved, offering a new chance to safeguard the state. He reiterated that repeating the 2011 unrest could imperil the nation's stability and survival. He stressed that while economic challenges are surmountable, the foremost priority must be the preservation and existence of the state, acknowledging that challenges are an intrinsic part of national development.

Recalling the events of 2013 and the subsequent war on terror, President Sisi mentioned the public's perception of him as a hero during that challenging time and acknowledged the sacrifices made. He concluded by stressing the importance of bolstering public awareness and understanding the dangers of internal state collapse, reinforcing that safeguarding the state's continuity is a shared duty demanding citizen vigilance and unified action from state institutions and society.