Egypt: Authorities are likely to increase security nationwide ahead of Coptic Easter, April 16

Event

Egyptian authorities will likely increase security nationwide ahead of the observance of Coptic Easter due to the threat of attacks by militant groups. The Coptic Christian holiday falls on Sunday, April 16. Churches have announced plans to hold Easter masses during the evening of April 15 and the morning of April 16. The Egyptian government has also announced a national holiday for Sham El Nessim, the spring celebration, April 17. This holiday, which coincides with Coptic Easter Monday, applies to both the public and private sectors.

Authorities will likely deploy additional security personnel near churches and establish checkpoints on major roads near Coptic houses of worship. Security measures could also include the placement of concrete and steel barriers to prevent cars or motorcycles from parking near sensitive locations, among other actions. Security will be concentrated near prominent churches and predominantly Coptic neighborhoods, especially in Cairo and Alexandria. However, authorities may also increase security in rural areas with large Coptic Christian populations, including Minya, Sohag, Asyut, and Qena.

Context

Militant groups regularly attempt to carry out attacks against religious minority groups, particularly during holidays and celebrations. In April 2020, security forces killed seven militants in Cairo's El Amireya district who were allegedly planning attacks against Coptic Christians during Coptic Easter. The Islamic State (IS) demonstrated its continued capability to target Coptic Christians in November 2018 when IS supporters opened fire on three buses carrying Coptic Christian pilgrims in the El Idwa area of Minya Governorate. The attack bore the hallmarks of a similar incident that occurred in 2017, during which IS militants opened fire at a bus carrying Coptic Christians en route to Saint Samuel Monastery. Both attacks followed repeated calls by IS to target Coptic Christians in Egypt.

IS has issued several propaganda videos and messages praising attacks on Coptic churches in Egypt and called on supporters to continue targeting Coptic Christians throughout the country. Recent attacks have occurred despite a large-scale counterterrorism campaign initiated by President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi in February 2018, which aims to eradicate militant threats in the Sinai Peninsula, Nile Delta, and the Western Desert region.

Advice

To the extent possible, limit exposure to potential targets, such as prominent Coptic churches or neighborhoods with large Coptic Christian populations. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions April 15-17.