The protests are reportedly fueled by a worsening economic situation, corruption, and the suppression of civil liberties.
It is worth noting that el-Sisi came to power in 2013 after the military, led by him, overthrew the Muslim Brotherhood regime headed by President Mohamed Morsi. However, the Muslim Brotherhood still has significant support in Egypt.
The Muslim Brotherhood is traditionally aligned with Qatar and Turkey, while being hostile to Saudi Arabia (a point on which the Saudis strengthened ties with Egypt after Morsi’s ousting). The influence of Qatar and Turkey in the Middle East has grown significantly after their allied forces seized power in Syria in early December.
It is possible that this development inspired the Muslim Brotherhood’s supporters in Egypt to stage protests, aiming to seek revenge against the military for Morsi’s overthrow in 2013.
