This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Published on October 8, 2019, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is facing a growing crisis of confidence among the country's citizens.
As the country that was at the forefront of the 2011 Arab Spring, Egypt is once again on the brink of chaos. The people are increasingly disillusioned with the direction President Sisi has taken the country, and they are now openly expressing their discontent.
Despite the deep-seated corruption and dictatorial tendencies of President Sisi, the military general-turned-president remains defiant. He has overseen a crackdown on opposition since taking power in 2013, and analysts believe he may have neutered any potential threats to his rule.
However, the latest wave of anti-government protests has seen around 2,000 people arrested in just seven days. The people are becoming more emboldened, and it is clear that President Sisi's leadership style is under scrutiny.
As chairman of the African Union, President Sisi's actions have significant implications for the continent. Egypt's neighbors, including Libya and Sudan, have already been affected by the Arab Spring, and Africa cannot afford to see Egypt follow suit.
