Transnational NGOs and Reconstitution of Military Regime in Egypt

Among the countries of the “Arab spring” in the Middle East and North Africa only Egypt claims both a popular revolution and a coup. With a civic revolt in 2011 Egyptians mobilized resources to overthrow an authoritarian ruler. Two years later with a military coup the public fragmented into antagonistic factions: (i) those continuously insisting “shariyah”, the legality of the original revolution of the 25th January 2011; and (ii) proponents of the “inqilab”, the army takeover of July 3rd 2013. This paper explores the role of transnational NGOs (TNGOs)1 in this unresolved political stalemate. With nationwide mass protests in January 2011 Egyptians demanded “rahil”, the departure of Hosni Mubarak, the country’s long term autocratic ruler. Protesters called for “Eish” bread (Life) “karama” dignity and “huriya” freedom for all. These euphoric public eruptions marked the culmination of long term entrenched civic engagement. Over the years Egyptian activists established grassroots critical social movements and organizations to directly and indirectly challenge the military regime.