Mubarak is deposed ! Now the real work begins

Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak (Arabic: محمد حسني سيد مبارك‎, Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [mæˈħæmːæd ˈħosni ˈsæjːed moˈbɑːɾɑk] , the Egyptian strongman for nearly three decades (October 14, 1981 - February 11, 2011) finally bowed to pressure from the streets of Egypt and a subtle push from the Egyptian military, today, after more than 18 days (from January 25, 2011) of what seems to have been a spontaneous street demonstration following the ouster of another African strongman, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (Arabic: زين العابدين بن علي‎, Zayn al-‘Ābidīn bin ‘Alī)  of Tunisia.

In less than two months, Africa, a continent of about 50 countries where only a handful are ruled with the consent of the governed, has lost two of its longest serving autocrats. The story in Egypt is less clear than that of Tunisia. Is Egypt headed for Nigeria circa 1992/93 when self proclaimed President (General) Ibrahim Babangida (aka evil genius) annulled a highly commended Presidential Election and was forced to the exit, handing power to an interim government of his choosing - a government that was later subverted by Babangida's long term shotgun ridder , General Sani Abacha. Abacha continued the rape of Nigeria just where Babangida left off and ultimately died in office in the bosom of two Indian prostitutes.

The military in Africa has in recent years demonstrated the ability to manage successful transitions to civilian rule, even when that transition is highly stage managed to suite those in military gab - Ghanian one time strongman, Jerry Rawling organized elections - the first of which he won, but ultimately transferred power to civilians. Nigerian Abdusalami Abubakar organized a relatively calm transfer to another one time strongman, Olusegun Obasanjo who later transferred power to his hand-picked successor and younger brother of his onetime deputy, Yar'adua.

In Tunisia, the story seems to be written entirely (at least in the public) by civilians. In Egypt, the military has a much more visible role - They have maneuvered the public, including the international observers into essentially begging them to help drive Mubarak out. But no one should forget some basic facts:

1.Mubarak was one of the military. He was once the head of the nation's air-force before being named as Vice President to another former General turned President. 

2. The regime in Egypt since 1952 has always been the military establishment.

3. Military rule, by any name is not, and will never be the same as democracy.

So, in light of these facts, the Egyptian people must continue on pressing their demand for democracy. Nothing short of rule by the people with their consent will suffice. All human beings must have the right to choose who rule them 

Here are some videos of the day

NYTimes interactive  |