Egypt’s Prime Minister resigns

Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has released a statement saying that Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has resigned. The statement added that former transport minister, Essam Sharaf, is to replace Shafiq and form a new government.

Shafiq, a close alley of former president Hosni Mubarak, was appointed just days before Mubarak's resignation and is seen by the protesters as a remnant of the old regime. In a statement on Facebook, the Council said: "The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces decided to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq and appointed Essam Sharaf to form the new government."

One of the protesters' demands has been the removal from office of all ministers associated with Mubarak, but it is unclear whether this will appease the activists calling for a "Day of Determination" on Friday. The protesters are demanding a new government and dissolution of state security, as well as a new constitution and a civilian council to aide the army.

Speaking about tomorrow's rally leading member of the Revolutionary Youth Coalition Zyad El-Elaimy said: “Tomorrow's protest was not just for Shafiq,” before adding it was “great” that the Council has “finally listened” to the people.

Sources: BBC News, NewsMax, Aljazeera Washington Post

For more news and expert analysis about Egypt, please see Egypt Politics & Security.