Syrian authorities detained Egyptian fighter Ahmed al-Mansour for inciting an uprising against President Sisi. After declaring his movement on social media, he garnered attention but was labeled a “terrorist” by Egyptian media. His calls for action coincide with a severe crackdown on dissent by the Egyptian government, reflecting broader issues of authoritarianism and demands for reform.
On Tuesday, Syrian authorities detained Egyptian fighter Ahmed al-Mansour after he announced a movement aimed at toppling Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Mansour had previously fought alongside Syrian rebels against Bashar al-Assad until his recent overthrow. Following the fall of Assad, Mansour began using social media to rally Egyptians under the hashtag “It’s your turn, Dictator,” encouraging opposition to Sisi’s long-standing regime.
Egyptian media promptly branded Mansour a “terrorist” and pressured Syrian authorities to extradite him. A social media account linked to Mansour’s movement later confirmed his detention, stating he was being held without communication by the new defense minister, who had previously commanded him in the campaign to liberate Damascus. Reuters later substantiated these reports, but Mansour’s future remains uncertain.
Mansour had ridiculed the Egyptian government’s crackdown on dissent, asserting that Sisi is fearful and paranoid about Egyptians in Syria. This outspokenness led to the arrest of several of Mansour’s family members, with his father publicly condemning him in state media. Mansour’s demands for reform include Sisi’s resignation, military withdrawal from politics, the release of political prisoners, and a return to the ideals of the 2011 revolution.
Historically, after the 2013 coup that elevated Sisi to power, the Egyptian government systematically tracked citizens who fought alongside Syrian rebels. Reports suggest that some of these individuals had previously engaged in terrorist activities within Egypt.
The current political landscape in Egypt has fostered anxiety about Syrian developments, prompting authorities to intensify their scrutiny of the Syrian refugee population. Instances of detaining Syrians celebrating the recent changes in Syria have been reported as officials continue to impose restrictions on Syrian nationals entering Egypt without appropriate permits.
The detention of Ahmed al-Mansour highlights the ongoing tensions between the Egyptian government and dissidents opposing President Sisi. His past involvement in fighting against Assad and his recent calls for uprising against Sisi reflect a significant shift in the political climate within the region. This situation is further complicated by the historical context of Sisi’s rise to power through a coup and his government’s harsh stance on dissent, leading to severe human rights abuses. The reaction from the Egyptian state apparatus against perceived threats emphasizes their urgent concern over political stability and control, particularly in light of rising opposition from exiled Egyptians.
Ahmed al-Mansour’s detention by Syrian authorities underscores the intricate relationship between internal Egyptian politics and regional instability. His bold calls for action against President Sisi have incited widespread backlash and apprehension from both the Egyptian government and Syrian officials. The unfolding situation reveals not only the precarious nature of activism within authoritarian regimes but also the persistent struggle for reform among exiled Egyptians.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
