There are certain customs, established over many decades, to uphold when declaring a coup.
A rough-hewn general in a crisp uniform reads out a statement on
state TV in which he declares that, reluctantly, the armed forces have
decided to step in to save the country.
Gen al-Sisi's declaration
on 3 July in Cairo followed a script, and a look, which goes back at
least four decades. First of of all, the general has to get his image
right. He needs a well pressed uniform, decked with medals. He needs a
podium, or, at the very least, a solid table.
Sunglasses are optional. The general's look as he reads his
declaration may become the defining image of his country to the outside
world (it will certainly be the image for which he is most remembered by
his own people).
The coup statement must follow a certain format. The general
should stress that the military is responding to its patriotic duty.
Above all, the coup leader must avoid calling his actions a coup - a
word which may make him look like a gangster. More often, he will prefer
to used the word "intervention".
Egyptians watch as Gen al-Sisi makes his televised coup declaration
In September 1973, Gen August Pinochet of Chile and his fellow
junta members pioneered the art of the coup statement. The four military
leaders appeared in uniform behind a solid table.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
Chilean officers had to make sure doorways were wide to allow military leaders to walk four abreast”
"The armed forces of Chile acted
today solely motivated by patriotic inspiration to save the country
from the chaos into which it was being plunged by the Marxist government
of Salvador Allende," announced Gen Pinochet in staccato voice. "The
junta will maintain judicial power… the chambers will remain in recess
until further orders. That is all."
His fellow junta member, Gustavo Leigh, added a few words
helpful to future generals needing inspiration for their own
declarations - patriotic duty, sacrifice, public support.
"In order to protect the sacred interests of the homeland we
found ourselves obliged to take on the sad and painful mission which we
have undertaken," declared Gen Leigh. "We are not afraid. We know the
enormous responsibility that will rest on our shoulders. But we are
convinced, we are quite sure that the vast majority of the Chilean
people is with us."
The Chilean generals of 1973 decided to sit together, as did
the Egyptians of 2013. This creates an appearance of equality and
teamwork - but it can also create problems for the future. Chilean
military officers had to make sure that doorways were sufficiently wide
to allow the Chilean military leaders to walk four abreast during public
appearances.
Eventually Gen Pinochet decided that he would rule on his
own. He did so until 1990. More than 3,000 people were killed during his
years of military rule.
Gen Augusto Pinochet
sporting shades in 1973
Sometimes a general decides that it's best to appear alone. In
September 1980, the Turkish General Kenan Evren went on state TV in his
uniform to declare an end to civilian government. He stuck to the
standard coup declaration script.
For more information about this news, click here
ليست هناك تعليقات :
إرسال تعليق