Two months ago, when Mohamed Abdel Fatah was appointed Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the whole staff applauded. But many continued to picket the SCA’s front entrance. Some want the SCA to return to the Ministry of State for Antiquities, others ask for a salary rise and fresh graduates want jobs at the SCA.

Abdel Fatah met all of these people, talked with them and promised to meet their demands where possible, but told them the SCA is suffering from a lack of funds.

Unfortunately the people did not listen to Abdel Fatah and continue to demonstrate and prevent other SCA employees from entering the building and doing their work.

On Tuesday afternoon, a rumour spread that due to the continuing demonstrations, Abdel Fatah had submitted his resignation PM Essam Sharaf.

The rumour is unconfirmed and Abdel Fatah’s phone is switched off.