In the footsteps of courageous Tunisians, the brave Egyptians are making history. The protesters will determine in the coming hours whether tyranny or democracy prevails in Egypt and across the region.

Millions of Egyptians are right now facing a fateful choice. Thousands have been jailed, injured or killed in the last few days. But if they press on in peaceful protest, they could end decades of tyranny.

People power is sweeping the Middle East. In days, peaceful protesters brought down Tunisia’s 30-year dictatorship. Now the protests are spreading to Egypt, Yemen, Jordan and beyond. This could be the Arab world’s Berlin Wall moment. If tyranny falls in Egypt, a tidal wave of democracy could sweep the entire region.

Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak has tried to crush the rallies. But with incredible bravery and determination, the protesters keep coming. There are moments when history is written not by the powerful, but by people. The actions of ordinary Egyptians in the coming hours will have a massive effect on their country, the region, and our world.

The shading away dictator ordered the military into the streets. He’s ominously promised zero tolerance for what he calls ‘chaos’. Either way, history will be made in the next few days. Let’s make this the moment that shows every dictator on our planet that they cannot stand long against the courage of people united.

The protesters have appealed for international solidarity, but the dictatorship knows the power of unity at a time like this – they’ve desperately tried to cut Egyptians off from the world and each other by completely shutting down the internet and mobile networks. Satellite and radio networks can still break through the regime blackout. The situation is at a tipping point — every hour counts.

The Egyptian people have appealed for international solidarity – let’s send them a massive response, and hold our governments accountable to stand with them too: Let’s cheer them on with our own pledge to stand with them in their struggle:

In solidarity

CADTM-Pakistan

LAHORE: 31 Jan 2010

Abdul Khaliq
focal person
CADTM-Pakistan