Egypt marks 5th anniversary of revolution

Egypt is marking the fifth anniversary of the popular uprising that toppled longtime leader, Hosni Mubarak.

Security measures in the country’s capital, Cairo, has been stepped up on the anniversary with security checks in the city’s downtown, an area popular with young pro-democracy activists.

Human rights activists have said the very demands that prompted the uprising remain the same. They denounced the lack of freedom.

“We’ve experienced a set back that I never would have imagined we would reach. I know that the revolution was going to be battled, and that many political currents would try to ride its wave, however I never imagined that we would reach the stage where we are now. If we had one percent of freedom, or one percent of economic power before the revolution, we no longer have this. This is because of the current regime, not because of the revolution,” said Dolly Bassiouny, Human Rights Activists.

A researcher at the Regional Center for Strategic Studies in Cairo, Sobhy Essaila, said majority of companies in Egypt are currently faced with many problems.

“However, the problems are not enough to lead to a revolt. People are depressed and angry. It is not enough to ignite them to go on the streets for a similar demonstrations like the revolution during the time of Mubarak.

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Despite the economic situation in the country and terrorism attacks, Egyptians say they are desperate and hopeful.

“I used to work in Aswan before the revolution and tourism was great back then. But after the revolution, everything changed and there was no work, so I came to Cairo to find work. God willing, everything will be fine, and President Al-Sisi will fix the country and all the youth will find work,” said boat owner Mazi Mohamed.