Egypt restricts sale of yellow vests

CAIRO: Egyptian authorities have unofficially restricted the sale of “yellow vests”, traders in Cairo said on Tuesday, signalling fears of possible protests inspired by those in France.

The move comes over a month ahead of the eighth anniversary of the 2011 uprising that left the country reeling from political and economic turmoil for years.

“We received instructions from the police around a week ago to sell yellow vests to companies only, and not to individuals,” one importer said.

He said two yellow vests shipments were en route to Egypt and should enter the country as normal. No instructions have been given to halt imports, he added.

Launched in early November, weekly “yellow vest” protests in France against planned increases in fuel tax price have spiralled into violence in Paris and other cities, taking a heavy financial toll.

At least seven “yellow vest” sellers in a downtown Cairo street confirmed that the sale of vests is “prohibited” following police instructions.

“National security officials came by and asked us not to sell them to individuals because they fear protests in France could reach us here,” one trader said.

“The sale of vests has become more dangerous,” said another, agreeing to sell one on condition that it was kept hidden in a plastic bag.

A third salesman denied having any vests and said “their sale is prohibited”. Asked for the reason behind the ban, he said “ask the police station’s head.” All spoke on condition of anonymity fearing reprisals.

The interior ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Egypt imposed heavy restrictions on demonstrations under a 2013 law, passed after the military ousted president Mohamed Mursi following mass protests against his rule.

President Abdel Fattah el Sisi, who won a second presidential term earlier this year, has repeatedly criticised the 2011 uprisings, pointing to their repercussions on neighbouring countries like Syria, Yemen and Libya.