Egypt gears up for Friday protests
Egypt gears up for another round of Friday protests - Reuters

Egypt's interim president Adli Mansour has pledged to save the country from plunging into further chaos as Muslim Brotherhood supporters promise to continue widespread protests.

Mansour said Egypt is in "critical stage" and certain groups are attempting to bring "chaos" into the country.

"We are at a decisive moment in Egypt's history, which some want to steer into the unknown. Some want a bloody path. They want this period to be an introduction to violence and we want it to establish for the concept of protecting lives and reaffirming human rights," said the interim leader in a televised address.

This was Mansour's first public address since he was installed by the army on 4 July following former president Mohamed Morsi's removal.

He continued, "They want this period to be an introduction to violence and we want it to establish for the concept of protecting lives and reaffirming human rights."

Mansour insisted that the interim administration is committed to provide security to Egyptians and establish stability.

Meanwhile, pro-Morsi supporters have vowed to carry out 'Friday protests' demanding his reinstallation. The day also coincides with 10<sup>th of Ramadan month marking the 40<sup>th anniversary of 1973 war with Israel.

The pro-Morsi Islamist coalition said the ongoing political crisis could be resolved only by "reversing the coup".

"To every free Egyptian man and woman: Come out against the bloody military coup," said National Alliance for Legitimacy, the newly formed bloc led by Brotherhood.

Security is expected to be beefed up ahead of the rallies as earlier protests turned violent claiming several lives.

The army has also warned demonstrators not to resort to violence during protests.

"The armed forces warn of any deviation from peaceful expressions of opinion, and the resort to violence. Whoever resorts to violence in Friday's protests will endanger his life, and will be treated with utmost decisiveness, within legal bounds," the military said on its Facebook page.