Egypt.. Angry chants from the people of Warraq Island demanding the release of detainees (video)

Renewed protests

The Egyptian Warraq Island witnessed an escalation in protests and clashes with security forces, as residents chanted angry slogans demanding the release of their detained relatives.

The chants came amid a tense atmosphere with the continuation of daily protests rejecting the evacuation of the island and the practices of the security forces, while the residents affirmed their adherence to their rights and demands, warning of the repercussions of the ongoing escalation on the stability of the island and its residents.

Protests were renewed on Warraq Island at the beginning of last September, with residents organizing almost daily protests, demanding permission to bring in construction materials and supplies that are prevented by security forces.

Last June, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly directed that any attempts at illegal construction on the island be confronted and that random phenomena be prevented from returning. He also stressed adherence to timetables for carrying out evacuations, disbursing compensation to those entitled to them, and continuing development projects to improve services on the island.

The beginning of the crisis between the people and the government

The roots of the crisis go back to the summer of 2017, when security units surrounded the island and began evacuating and demolishing homes. The confrontations resulted in the death of one person and injuries among residents and security forces. Since then, tensions have escalated between the two parties due to attempts to forcefully evacuate residents.

In July 2023, the State Information Service published pictures of the city of “Horus,” the new name of the island, and revealed a plan to transform it into an investment area. The project extends over an area of ​​1,516 acres, with an implementation cost of 17.5 billion pounds, with expected annual revenues of 20.4 billion pounds over 25 years.

The project includes 8 investment areas, a commercial area, and distinguished housing. A central park, a tourist riverfront, a cultural area, and a tourist promenade will also be created. The project aims to make the island a global financial and commercial center, similar to Manhattan Island in New York.