Egypt opposition makes ultimatum for Mohammed Morsi to resign

The Egyptian opposition movement that has led nationwide protests against President Mohammed Morsi has issued him with an ultimatum to resign by tomorrow.

Seven people were reported to have been killed as hundreds of thousands of protestors took to the streets of Cairo and other cities, Tamarud (Rebel) issued a statement saying Mr Morsi would face a campaign of civil disobedience if he did not leave power and allow elections to be held.

The group said it had collected more than 22million signatures in support.

Yesterday Mr Morsi made clear through a spokesman that he would not step down and his Islamist supporters vowed not to allow protesters to remove the president, who was brought to office in a legitimate vote.

The country was braced for a second day of action today. The crowds seen in Tahrir Square in Cairo yesterday were the biggest since the 2011 revolution.

Young protesters pelted the main headquarters of President Mohammed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood with stones and firebombs, and at one point a fire erupted at the gates of the walled villa. During clashes, Brotherhood supporters barricaded inside opened fire on the attackers, and activists said at least three protesters were killed.

At least five more anti-Morsi protesters were killed yesterday in clashes and gunfire in southern Egypt after the protests broke out on the one year anniversary of Mr Morsi’s arrival in office.

In Cairo, people spent the night in dozens of tents pitched in Tahrir Square and at the presidential palace, vowing to stay until Mr Morsi resigns, while demonstrators were calling for widespread strikes today.

Rally organisers also called for a sit-in at the Cabinet building, interim parliament, and another presidential site where Morsi was staying during yesterday’s rally.

Opposition leaders were to meet this afternoon to plot their next move.

Influential Qatar-based Muslim cleric Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi, visiting Cairo, appealed to Egyptians to show more patience with Mr Morsi, while saying the president had made errors.

“How long has Mohammed Mursi ruled? One year,” Qaradawi said in a television address. “Is one year enough to solve the problems of 60 years? That’s impossible... We must give the man a chance and help him. Everyone must cooperate.”

The United States and the European Union have urged Mr Morsi to share power with the opposition, saying only a national consensus can help Egypt overcome a severe economic crisis and build democratic institutions.