The Dynamics and Challenges of Islamic Movement in Africa: A Study of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt

Abstract

In an effort to shed light on the motivations behind the policies, actions, and stances adopted by the Muslim Brotherhood and the Egyptian government, this study attempts to present an accurate and genuine understanding of the organization. The Muslim Brotherhood, its past as a social-political movement, and the organization's evolution over time have all been the subject of extensive inquiry. On the other hand, little is known about how the Muslim Brotherhood evolved following the July 2013 military takeover. Methodologically, Primary and secondary sources of data were used. Focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews were the main tools used to collect data for this study using descriptive survey research design. Findings reveals that neither Morsi nor the general public had any prior experience in governing, which would have allowed them to assess whether the movement could actually carry out its goals and make good on its promises. In a similar vein, not only were some of the demands made during the 2011 up rise in such as the enjoyment of equal social rights, civil freedoms, and an improvement in public life forgotten, but also the dominant political element, the exclusion and monopoly of the ruling Islamist faction, and the disregard for the cultural diversity of the Egyptian populace led to public disillusionment with the new leaders. This study comes to the conclusion that the Muslim Brotherhood was able to adapt and survive the military takeover and subsequent persecution, with its international network playing a crucial part in this endeavor. The study recommends that Government must demonstrate responsibility, openness, responsiveness, equity, and justice at all levels, from the federal to the local.