On October 6, 1981, Egypt’s 3rd President, Anwar Sadat, was assassinated during a military parade in Cairo. This event marked a significant turning point in Egyptian and Middle Eastern history, as it underscored the intense opposition to Sadat’s peace initiatives with Israel and highlighted the volatile political climate of the region.
Background
Anwar Sadat’s presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms. He succeeded Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1970 and sought to modernize Egypt’s economy and society. However, his most notable achievement was the peace treaty with Israel. Following the 1978 Camp David Accords, Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979. This treaty earned both leaders the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. However, the treaty was highly controversial in the Arab world, leading to Egypt’s suspension from the Arab League, which lasted until 1989. Palestinian leaders, including Yasser Arafat, dismissed the treaty as a “false peace.”
In Egypt, Sadat’s peace efforts were met with mixed reactions. Initially, various groups supported Sadat’s policies, but they felt betrayed by his moves towards a secular state and peace with Israel. These groups called for his overthrow and demanded a government based on Islamic principles. Sadat’s final months in office were marked by internal unrest, as he blamed external forces, particularly Libya and Syria, for inciting uprisings in Egypt.
The Assassination Plot
The assassination plot against Sadat was orchestrated by members of a radical group opposed to Sadat’s policies. Lieutenant Khalid Al-Islambouli, an Egyptian army officer, led the assassination squad. The plotters were motivated by their opposition to Sadat’s peace treaty with Israel and his secular policies. They believed that Sadat’s actions were a betrayal of Islamic principles and sought to replace his government with one based on their interpretation of Islamic law.
Despite being aware of the conspiracy, Egyptian authorities failed to capture all those involved. On the day of the assassination, Al-Islambouli and his team took advantage of the military parade, which was held to celebrate Egypt’s victory in the Yom Kippur War. As jets flew overhead, distracting the audience, Al-Islambouli and his team attacked, using grenades and firearms.
The Assassination
During the October 6 parade, Al-Islambouli and his team attacked the reviewing stand where Sadat was seated. The attack, which lasted only two minutes, resulted in the death of Sadat and ten others. Vice President Hosni Mubarak was among the 28 people wounded. Sadat was rushed to the hospital but died from severe internal injuries. The assassination was a shocking and dramatic event, broadcast live on television, and it sent shockwaves throughout Egypt and the world.
Aftermath
The assassination of Sadat had immediate and far-reaching consequences. Simultaneously with the assassination, an armed uprising took place in Asyut, where militants seized control of the security services headquarters for two days before government forces restored order. Sadat’s assassination was praised by some in the region, with leaders in countries like Syria condemning him for the peace treaty. However, leaders from Somalia, Sudan, and Iran’s former Crown Prince attended Sadat’s funeral, along with numerous international dignitaries.
Hosni Mubarak, who was wounded in the attack, succeeded Sadat as President on October 14, 1981. Mubarak remained in office for almost three decades until his resignation in 2011. Sadat was buried at the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Cairo, with his tomb inscribed “The hero of war and peace.” The assassins were tried, convicted, and executed in 1982.
Historical Impact
Anwar Sadat’s assassination highlighted the deep divisions within Egyptian society and the broader Arab world regarding peace with Israel. While Sadat’s peace initiatives earned him international acclaim, they also made him a target for radical elements opposed to any reconciliation with Israel. His death underscored the risks faced by leaders who pursue controversial policies. The event also marked a shift in Egyptian politics, with Mubarak’s long tenure bringing a different approach to governance and foreign policy.