History insists that we put aside the frivolous pop culture news of the day for a moment to focus on an important moment in World History. For the better part of 2 weeks, the people of Egypt have been pressing for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak (in office for 30 years!) and despite his obvious reluctance to leave office, Mubarak finally succumbed to the will of the people and has today formally resigned from office. Vice President Omar Suleiman released a statement to the people of Egypt (and to the world) that former president Mubarak is NO LONGER in power. The will of the Egyptian people has won out in this revolution and, for the most part, peacefully ousted their unwanted dictator.
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt turned over all power to the military, and left the Egyptian capital for his resort home in Sharm el-Sheik, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced on state television on Friday. The announcement, delivered during evening prayers in Cairo, set off a frenzy of celebration, with protesters shouting “Egypt is free!” The Egyptian military issued a communiqué pledging to carry out a variety of constitutional reforms in a statement notable for its commanding tone. The military’s statement alluded to the delegation of power to Mr. Suleiman and it suggested that the military would supervise implementation of the reforms.
Here is the full text of Vice President Suleiman‘s statement formally announcing Mubarak‘s resignation:
In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country. May God help everybody.
This is History in the making … today is a day that will live forever in history books. The people of Egypt have overthrown their dictator. Yes, there has been much death in this Egyptian revolution but compared to other far more bloody revolutions (including our own American Revolution), I think it’s safe to say that the people of Egypt were able to peacefully enforce their will on their government leaders in order to be free of their dictatorship. The road ahead for Egypt will not be an easy one … surely there will be a struggle for power … but it is my hope that Egypt’s future will be a bright, Democratic one where the will of the people is paramount over everything. Let’s send our best wishes and all our love to the people of Egypt as they embark on an uncertain future … one that will hopefully turn out peaceful and FREE.
About freaking time!!!!!!!!!
Well said!
This just shows no matter where you live or what type of goverment your country is run by THE PEOPLE will always truly be the ruling body! THE PEOPLE are what make change, not the BS leaders.
Thank you Trent for taking some time out from the less important news to post about such a momentous occasion!!! I am so happy for the people of Egypt and hope and pray that it will only go up from here.
Thanks, Trent, for the input. Even a gossip/celebrity commentary site has to step aside sometimes.
Big up to you Trent for posting such an important piece of news in such a great way. This is why I love you so much.
this is history. yes, the egyptians got rid of Mubarak but there’s still the vice-president which of what i’ve read is just as bad as Mubarak.
@sarahhh — One thing at a time. I’m already hearing there may be new elections in March or April as opposed to later in the year in September. Hopefully the people of Egypt will keep the momentum going and truly be a free people.
i hope the elections get sped up. Egypt needs a new fresh leader & quick! i have the feeling those thousands (possibly millions) of people who spent those 18 days in the streets won’t settle for anything but a fair election.
Woo, congrats Egypt!
First Tunesia, now Egypt, I wonder what country’s next.
I can’t see this turning out as a net gain for the citizenry of Egypt. The next so-called president may be less corrupt than Mubarak, but I highly doubt that will be the case. Corrupt states generally don’t change through one election. :-/
@torrie — “Corrupt states generally don’t change through one election.” But change has to start somewhere. No, Egypt’s problems won’t be gone overnight but this revolution is a positive sign that the people are on the right track toward true Democracy and freedom
Agreed. I just hope they don’t end up in a worse situation than they were with Mubarak.
Thanks for posting this, Trent; it’s the most important news of the day. Hurrah!
Most army’s aren’t backed by over a billion US dollars a year. The US will be watching their democratic process VERY CLOSELY.
May the Egyptians have many days coming that feel as nice for them as this one does. May their military also help them to build a FREE, progressive and peaceful society they’re ALL proud of.
Now the country has to resolve the problem of its future leadership because the choice of Omar Suleiman as the future leader of Egypt is not very good. He has been the right hand of Mubarak for such a long time he doesn’t deserve to hold this post. But on the other hand he seems to be the lesser of the two evils when the Muslim Brotherhood appears on the scene.