Egypt current news 2016
Here are some of the major news stories from Egypt in 2016:
Politics
- January 2016: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announces a new cabinet, with several key ministers replaced.
- March 2016: The Egyptian parliament approves a new constitution, which includes provisions for a stronger presidency and a more powerful military.
- May 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to hold a referendum on a new constitution, which would give the president more powers.
- July 2016: The Egyptian parliament passes a law allowing the president to appoint a new governor for each of the country's 27 governorates.
- October 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to hold a presidential election in 2018, with President el-Sisi expected to run for re-election.
Economy
- January 2016: The Egyptian pound falls to a record low against the US dollar, sparking concerns about the country's economic stability.
- March 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to implement a new economic reform program, which includes austerity measures and a devaluation of the currency.
- May 2016: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approves a $12 billion loan package for Egypt, which is intended to help the country implement its economic reform program.
- July 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to increase taxes on certain goods and services, in an effort to boost revenue and reduce the budget deficit.
- October 2016: The Egyptian economy grows by 3.5% in the third quarter of the year, according to official figures.
Security
- January 2016: A bomb explodes at a Coptic Christian church in Cairo, killing at least 20 people and injuring many more.
- March 2016: Egyptian security forces launch a major operation against Islamic State (IS) militants in the Sinai Peninsula, killing dozens of fighters and capturing several others.
- May 2016: A suicide bomber attacks a police headquarters in Cairo, killing at least 20 people and injuring many more.
- July 2016: Egyptian security forces kill several IS militants in a raid on a hideout in the Sinai Peninsula.
- October 2016: A bomb explodes at a police station in the city of Alexandria, killing at least 20 people and injuring many more.
Human Rights
- January 2016: Human Rights Watch accuses the Egyptian government of committing widespread human rights abuses, including torture and forced disappearances.
- March 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to establish a new human rights commission, which will be responsible for investigating allegations of human rights abuses.
- May 2016: The United Nations Human Rights Council passes a resolution criticizing Egypt's human rights record, and calling on the government to take steps to improve the situation.
- July 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to release several political prisoners, including some who have been held for years without charge.
- October 2016: Human Rights Watch accuses the Egyptian government of continuing to commit human rights abuses, including torture and forced disappearances.
Other News
- January 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to build a new capital city, which will be located in the desert east of Cairo.
- March 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to increase the minimum wage for workers, in an effort to reduce poverty and inequality.
- May 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to launch a new initiative to promote tourism, which will include investments in infrastructure and marketing.
- July 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to increase the price of fuel, in an effort to reduce subsidies and increase revenue.
- October 2016: The Egyptian government announces plans to launch a new initiative to promote entrepreneurship and small business development, which will include investments in training and financing.