Egyptian Military Expel President Morsi

After refusing to step-down despite a 48-hour ultimatum by the military and four days of massive protests (which sadly saw nearly a hundred women raped), President Mohamed Morsi was ousted by what his supporters have called a “military coup.”

During today’s speech, General AbdelFattah al-Sisi declared President Morsi, who was democratically elected a year ago by a slim margin, was no longer Eqypt’s ruler and the head of the constitutional court would take over in the interim. General al-Sisi also told his countrymen the constitution would be temporarily suspended.

Al Jazeera reports:

In a televised broadcast, flanked by military leaders, religious authorities and political figures, General AbdelFattah al-Sisi effectively declared the removal of  Morsi.

Sisi called for presidential and parliamentary elections, a panel to review the constitution and a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements. He said the roadmap had been agreed by a range of political groups.

Speaking shortly after al-Sisi’s announcement, liberal opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei said the 2011 revolution that ousted Hosni Mubarak was relaunched and that the roadmap meets the demand of the protesters for early presidential elections.

Egypt’s leading Muslim and Christian clerics also backed the army-sponsored roadmap.

Many Egyptians were upset with the lack of progress under Morsi’s rule. Despite promising to improve the country’s economic issues, under Morsi the crippling fuel lines, exorbitant food prices, and lack of opportunities got worse. Add to that the unease many Egyptians felt about Morsi’s religious affiliations with the Muslim Brotherhood, and millions of Egyptians felt they had no other option but to take to the streets.

While Egyptians are celebrating in Tahrir Square, many fear retaliatory violence in other parts of the country and by President Morsi’s supporters.