Egyptian opposition groups gathered in The Hague on 16 September for the First National Congress (FNC), bringing together Islamists, liberals and activists to discuss political and institutional reforms for a potential post-President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi era. The meeting sought to develop a common vision for Egypt’s future, but also exposed continuing divisions within the opposition.
The congress was organised by five opposition groups, including the MB-linked Maydan movement, the Technocrat Party of Egypt, Egypt’s Hope Party, Justice Matters and the Centre for Egyptian American Relations. The Egyptian Revolutionary Council was initially listed as an organiser but withdrew three days before the event, citing disagreements over the proposed political project.
Discussions covered eight areas: politics, the military, security institutions, foreign policy, the economy, media, the judiciary and Sinai. Speakers included exiled actor Amr Waked, television presenter Moataz Matar, activist Ramy Shaath, Egypt GenZ founder Anas Habib and former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki, who joined remotely.
The congress concluded with the launch of the “Promise for Change Document”, described by organisers as a political and moral roadmap for a transition from executive-centred rule toward greater citizen participation in decision-making and the management of national resources. The proposals include ending the use of imprisonment and punishment against people because of their political views or affiliations, examining different scenarios for political change and establishing expert committees to turn recommendations into practical policies.
However, the initiative failed to bring together some of the opposition’s most influential forces. The leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood did not officially participate, with neither of its rival factions in Istanbul and London represented. Brotherhood involvement came mainly through Maydan, which operates independently of the group’s main leadership structures. Prominent opposition figures including Ayman Nour and Mohammed Ali were also absent.
The divisions were also reflected in media coverage. Major Brotherhood-linked outlets, including Mekameleen TV, Al-Sharq TV and Watan TV, largely ignored the congress, while Al-Hiwar TV and several other platforms gave it limited coverage. The response highlighted continuing disagreements over opposition strategy, leadership and future alliances.
The congress also drew a strong backlash from pro-government media and commentators. Organisers reported an intensive campaign targeting the event’s digital platforms and participants. Pro-government figures dismissed the gathering and accused its participants of working against Egypt, while television programmes revisited allegations concerning Brotherhood plans for the country’s political future.
The organisers now plan to move beyond the conference by establishing specialised committees to develop the proposed reforms. Whether the initiative can overcome divisions within the opposition and turn its “Promise for Change Document” into a broader political project remains dependent on the participation of groups and figures that stayed outside the congress.
