Egypt to vote on 3-month extension of state of emergency on Monday

Egypt’s parliament will convene on Monday to take a final vote on a presidential decree that would extend the state of emergency in Egypt for a further three months, from 27 October 2019 to 26 January 2020.

Addressing MPs on Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the extension is necessary to help police and army forces fight terrorist groups and help the state implement development programmes in a climate of stability.

Madbouly said that “dark forces” are trying to exploit the chaos in the Arab and Middle East region to disrupt the stability of Egypt and kill innocent civilians and police and Armed Forces personnel.

Madbouly vowed that the state of emergency will not be used to assault public freedoms.

“Exceptional powers will only be used to safeguard national security against any threats,” Madbouly said.

Parliament’s general committee met on Sunday to prepare a report on whether the extension should be approved or not.

The state of emergency in Egypt came into effect in the middle of 2016 following a number of terrorist attacks against churches and Christians. Parliament has since continually voted in favour of extending the state of emergency.

Source: Ahram Online