Cairo - Opponents and supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Morsi held nationwide protests on Sunday, with the former celebrating his leave and the latter demanding his return.
In Cairo, throngs of anti-Morsi protesters flocked to Tahrir Square and around the presidential palace, while his supporters held marches to Rabia al-Adawiya Square and Al-Nahda Square near Cairo University.
The rival gatherings across the country raise concerns over possible eruption of violence, as confrontations on Friday between the two sides killed at least 36 people and injured over 1 400 nationwide.
The turmoil was sparked after the military forced Morsi's ouster on Wednesday in response to millions of protesters nationwide who demanded his removal, while Morsi's advocates described the procedures as "a military coup against legitimacy."
However, analysts in Egypt believe that the clashes are not likely to develop into a civil war.
"Changing the Islamist regime costs Egypt a high price," said security expert Gamal Mazloum.
Mazloum noted that the Egyptian army has seized a large number of unlicensed weapons, and that the army will stand decisively against any escalation of violence that may lead to a war.
So far, the army has managed to control the clashes and separate between the two sides, said Mazloum.
The security expert predicted that the country will witness more violence in the coming days, which aren't likely to develop into sectarian or civil clashes, and "then all violence will be contained shortly." - SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
