Egyptian President declares three-month state of emergency after bombings

World Today

Sisi

A day of mourning in Egypt after twin suicide bombings killed 47. The targets were two Coptic Christian churches.

The first attack was in the city of Tanta. The second explosion happened in Alexandria. ISIL claims responsibility for both attacks and the nation’s president declared a three-month state of emergency.

CGTN’s Yasser Hakim reports from Cairo.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is usually a calm figure when he addresses the nation. Not this time. The enormity of the events that unfolded on Sunday was evident in his tone and words.

“They are trying to divide you. They hate seeing you united. They tried to damage the tourism sector but you stayed strong. They tried to damage the economy but you stayed strong,” al-Sisi said.

Egypt’s president said that the fight against terrorism is a long and costly endeavor. Patience and caution from all Egyptians is needed at this critical stage. President al-Sisi then announced a 3-month state of emergency to help authorities curb the militants.

The Egyptian leader also announced the establishment of the Higher Council for Counter Terrorism and Extremism with broad powers to take action. Most, if not all Egyptians we spoke to have supported the measures set by al-Sisi.

As the casualties rise, more Egyptians feel terrorism needs an iron fist. As the country goes into national mourning for three days, the latest decisions by the president could prove to be a turning point in his approach to the fight against terrorism.


Who are Egypt’s Coptic Christians and why are they under attack?