In a political landscape long characterized by stagnation, the Civil Democratic Movement has launched a new initiative called the “Youth Secretariat” as an organizational structure aimed at involving a new generation in efforts to revive political life in Egypt. This step coincides with the return of the April 6 Youth Movement—once one of the most prominent protest forces of the past decade—to the political arena after years of marginalization and suppression.
These developments come against a backdrop of significant decline in public space and the continuous erosion of the civil current over the past decade, amid a security and legal environment that leaves little room for independent initiatives or political organizations outside the official framework. Despite lingering doubts about the feasibility and potential for real change, the launch of the Youth Secretariat has reopened the conversation on the future of civil opposition and the possibility of citizens reclaiming their political role in a society marked by high levels of exclusion and marginalization.
Initial Dialogue and Organizational Groundwork
Last August, the headquarters of the Conservative Party hosted a dialogue session that brought together several members of the Civil Democratic Movement’s Board of Trustees, along with youth participants, mid-level party leaders, and independent activists associated with the civil current. According to sources within the movement, the aim of the meeting was to explore ways to develop the movement’s discourse, broaden its representation to include younger generations, and reassess its position and future role.
The discussions continued over the following months within the movement, culminating in an inaugural session held this past January, initiated by several political figures from inside and outside the parties. Their goal was to formalize and officially launch the idea of the “Youth Secretariat.”
This initiative was supported by both Walid El-Amary, the movement’s spokesperson, and Hamdi Qeshta, a senior member of the Constitution Party, who jointly worked to break through the stagnation that had plagued civil action in recent years, according to information obtained by Zawia3.
Walid El-Amary confirmed that the Youth Secretariat has become an official part of the movement’s organizational structure, and that the decision to establish it was made around three months ago. It was followed by a broad dialogue among stakeholders to determine the best formation mechanisms and structure. Speaking to Zawia3, he explained that the Secretariat currently includes representatives from several political parties as well as independents, with a declared plan to expand this base in the coming period.
El-Amary added that one of the Secretariat’s top priorities is to engage with youth groups, especially those who participated in the January 25 Revolution, in order to open channels for dialogue and attract new talent capable of renewing the political movement and supplying it with qualified young leadership.
For her part, Gameela Ismail—head of the Constitution Party and former president of the Civil Democratic Movement’s Board of Trustees—described the establishment of the Youth Secretariat as “a long-postponed dream come true.” She added that the step represents a qualitative shift in the movement’s structure and a chance to inject new blood and revive political activity within the coalition.
In her statement, Ismail emphasized that the Secretariat includes youthful energies whose presence had been long-awaited, and that it will be a key actor in defending the “right to change through politics.” She stressed that the mission goes beyond merely sustaining the movement’s existence to include expanding its presence within society—especially among the most vulnerable groups. She concluded by calling for the Secretariat’s base to be broadened and to welcome those wishing to engage in serious political work that reflects the aspirations of those who once took to the streets demanding justice and freedom.
Meanwhile, the Policy Council of the Conservative Party issued a statement declaring its full support for the new youth initiative emerging from the Civil Democratic Movement. The statement described it as a positive sign of the new generation’s political awareness and maturity.
It characterized the initiative as a qualitative development toward reviving political life, reinforcing the values of pluralism, accountability, and civic engagement. It also affirmed that involving youth in public life is one of the pillars of political reform and a key step toward building a democratic culture based on dialogue and participation.
Motivations for Launch and Limits of Aspiration
Hamdi Qeshta, a senior member of the Constitution Party and a founding member of the Youth Secretariat within the Civil Democratic Movement, told Zawia3 that the decision to establish the Secretariat was officially made on December 4, 2024, followed immediately by practical steps aimed at inviting a new generation of independents, students, and youth representatives from the member parties. These efforts led to the first foundational meetings, which included open discussions among the various stakeholders involved in forming the Secretariat and defining its goals.
Qeshta explained that these early conversations were not without criticism—some participants voiced concern over delays in moving from discussion to implementation, especially given previous experiences within the movement that failed to yield decisive outcomes. These concerns were conveyed to the movement’s Board of Trustees, which responded with assurances of serious commitment to carrying out the initiative. This was later reflected in the participatory design of the Secretariat’s political and organizational framework, crafted to reflect the diversity within its ranks.
He described the creation of the Youth Secretariat as a “qualitative shift” in the trajectory of the Civil Democratic Movement—not only because it introduces new elements, but also because it represents a serious attempt to build a structured civil opposition that can move beyond episodic protest and toward a broad, representative political body reflecting Egypt’s social and political diversity. He emphasized that participation in the Secretariat requires commitment to the core values of the movement: nonviolence, pluralism, and respect for democratic processes.
Qeshta added that one of the Secretariat’s key goals is to narrow the generational gap within the civil movement and create space for young and independent actors to engage politically. This, he said, is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the movement on more democratic foundations and for reinforcing the principle of intergenerational political transition.
He further noted that the Secretariat’s role extends beyond internal balance—it also involves engaging with other democratic forces in Egypt’s political landscape, in hopes of developing participatory dynamics that can help reshape the public sphere, even if only modestly. “The increasing closure of that space,” he said, “does not eliminate opportunities for action, but rather highlights the need to create parallel arenas through which we can engage key issues and develop political visions that enrich and expand ongoing movements.”
Qeshta pointed out that the new body has prioritized several strategic issues, including student concerns, women’s rights, human rights, and regional representation beyond Cairo. This approach, he said, reflects the Secretariat’s intent to broaden the movement’s political horizon and connect it more deeply with societal realities—especially within a highly restricted political environment.
Given the current political conditions, Qeshta sees the Secretariat as a rare opportunity to reclaim politics as a tool for peaceful change—through collective action, practical alternatives, and more organized, less confrontational modes of public engagement.
A Critical Moment and an Internal Need
Mostafa Shawky, a politician and member of the Bread and Freedom Party (under formation), told Zawia3 that the emergence of the Youth Secretariat comes at a charged moment, shaped by a prolonged state of political stagnation in Egypt. He noted that growing restrictions on public space could, over time, push younger segments to challenge this paralysis and attempt to reclaim some degree of political presence, however limited.
Shawky added that the stagnation is not confined to public life—it also affects the civil movement itself, which has made it urgent to introduce new blood that can revive momentum and engage with political and social developments. He believes that broad coalitions like the Civil Democratic Movement play an important role in defending democratic values and basic rights, provided they maintain enough internal consensus and prioritize practical, cross-ideological collaboration.
He linked the effectiveness of the Youth Secretariat to its ability to open up to various streams of democratic activism—whether in labor, syndicates, universities, or professional associations. “The real challenge,” he told Zawia3, “is building genuine channels of communication between the civil movement and people’s daily struggles—especially in light of worsening economic and social crises—and finding ways to engage meaningfully with electoral cycles as part of broader political confrontation.”
Shawky argued that if the Secretariat succeeds in building such interaction, it could help restore public confidence in politics as a tool for change, and allow the Civil Democratic Movement to strengthen its popular standing with responses rooted in people’s lived realities—not just abstract rhetoric or elite discourse.
A Delayed Return of the Middle Generation
Political activist Asmaa Mahfouz—widely known as one of the original voices who called for the January 25 protests and a central figure in Egypt’s revolution—noted that the past few years have seen a clear withdrawal of the middle generation from direct political action, largely due to restrictions on public space. Still, she said, careful monitoring of the political scene has not stopped—though it has mostly been limited to supporting prisoners of conscience and calling for their release, along with continuous efforts to open dialogue within a complex political climate.
Speaking to Zawia3, Mahfouz said that the National Dialogue, despite wide skepticism about its seriousness, represented a turning point that prompted many in her generation to reconsider reengaging in politics, and explore ways of participating from outside closed systems or enforced detachment.
She added that the Israeli aggression on Gaza played a parallel role in deepening this awareness. “It brought to the surface urgent questions about the absence of an independent political voice capable of expressing the public’s moral and historical stance.” She pointed out that the political vacuum is no longer a concern limited to opposition or civil society—it has become a crisis for the state itself, which now struggles to organize credible public responses outside traditional, increasingly ineffective channels.
Mahfouz said that this growing sense of a missing alternative voice—and the widening political void—has become a genuine incentive to rethink a return to public work, but with new organizational tools that suit the complexities of the current moment and go beyond models no longer fit for today’s reality.
Despite the debate surrounding upcoming elections, Mahfouz emphasized that the return of the middle generation is not tied exclusively to them. She pointed out that this generation has often chosen to boycott elections in the past, without seeing any real political gains. For that reason, she said, political participation remains vital—even amid legal and organizational uncertainty.
Participants in the National Dialogue have repeatedly demanded legal reforms to enable fair and meaningful participation, but so far, authorities have not offered any official signals regarding the expected electoral law. In this context, Mahfouz described the Youth Secretariat as an important step that reflects a new alliance working to reorganize the opposition in a more effective manner—aligned with the political and social realities of the present.
April 6: A Journey in Search of Structure
In recent days, the April 6 Youth Movement announced the resumption of its political activity after nearly a decade of forced absence, resulting from successive security crackdowns and a 2014 ruling by the Court of Urgent Matters that banned the movement, froze its assets, and shut down its headquarters under accusations of anti-state activity.
The April 6 Youth Movement was one of the most influential grassroots protest groups that emerged in Egypt in the late 2000s, playing a central role in mobilizing youth and workers in the lead-up to the January 25, 2011 revolution.
The movement also revealed it is currently exploring the option of establishing a political party—or joining an existing one—as a step toward returning to political life through legal and institutional means. It is also considering participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, as discussed during an event held at the Egyptian Social Democratic Party headquarters on Mohamed Mahmoud Street in downtown Cairo.
Speaking to Zawia3, Ahmed Maher—co-founder of the April 6 Youth Movement and one of the most prominent youth figures in Egypt’s 2011 uprising—said.
“April 6 may not have succeeded in establishing its own political party or in rebuilding its former organizational structure as a social movement due to many circumstances and obstacles, including legal restrictions. Still, I am proud of the various fields in which April 6 contributed. Its members are present in political parties, civil society organizations, and human rights institutions. Despite being forcibly sidelined, they never fully disconnected from public life.”
In a statement to Zawia3, he added:
“Yes, the public sphere is closed, and civic space is nearly nonexistent. But when asked why April 6 is preparing to reenter the political arena despite this closure, the answer is simple: there is no other option. We are committed to engaging politically to the extent possible, building on the reformist momentum we began years ago. At our core, we are a reform-oriented social group aiming to improve the political and economic situation.”
Maher emphasized that the closure of public space has driven many to withdraw from political life, which is harmful to a country that needs large-scale civic effort. “So we saw that engaging with the issues and spaces still available is better than total withdrawal. April 6 still holds symbolic weight for the middle generation and youth. It left a clear imprint on public life due to its role in pivotal events in Egypt’s modern political history—events that carry deep political meaning. Many who participated in April 6, and many more who respect it, still see its value.”
He also pointed out that the idea of the middle generation is rooted in the belief that those who have worked together for years can continue doing so, despite political and ideological differences. “Compared to previous generations, which were marked by deep divisions, today’s middle generation is more capable of collaboration, even across differences. That’s what sets it apart—and that’s what makes ongoing initiatives for joint action possible, like those attempted during the National Dialogue, and now again through the experience of the Youth Secretariat.”
Regarding the Secretariat, Maher confirmed that it emerged after numerous meetings and lengthy discussions. The goal was to broaden participation within the Civil Democratic Movement, which had faced criticism for limited youth and middle-generation representation. “This is a corrective step,” he said, “because the movement was often seen as exclusionary—especially in its early years—toward youth-led political groups like April 6. So I see this as a major course correction, and I hope it succeeds. I also hope it’s not sidelined or weakened by forces that typically obstruct all forms of organizing in Egypt, whether through co-optation or conflict.”
Maher concluded:
“I’m optimistic that the Secretariat can play a meaningful role in upcoming political moments—whether in elections or in reasserting the Civil Democratic Movement as a genuine opposition force in Egypt.”
The launch of the Youth Secretariat and April 6’s efforts to reenter political life come amid enduring political and security challenges in Egypt, which have persisted for more than a decade. Nevertheless, the Secretariat may offer a real opportunity to re-engage citizens in political life—by renewing opposition discourse and building bridges between generations—especially in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections, for which the Civil Democratic Movement has declared its readiness, though without providing details.
