In the wake of the protests in Egypt aimed to overthrow the country’s President Hosni Mubarak, local Arab organizations have issued statements in support of the Egyptian people’s desire for social and political change.

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) is encouraging Muslims in Michigan to educate Americans on the crisis in Egypt. In a statement the CIOM said, “Events unfolding in the Arab world, from Tunisia to Egypt, is a pivotal moment in the Arab people’s struggle for freedom. Muslims in Michigan have a role to play in helping Americans better understand the transformation of this proportion.”

The CIOM says all Americans should request U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration to help Egyptians in their fight to form a new government.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) said earlier this week Mubarak must step down for democracy to prevail. MPAC says the Egyptian army which said it would not fire on protesters represents a pivotal moment in the Egyptian people’s struggle for a democratically elected president. MPAC also called on Obama’s administration to help Egypt’s government and people create a transitional caretaker government that would replace the current cabinet appointed by Hosni Mubarak. “As we watch the historic events being propelled by hundreds of thousands of ordinary Egyptians unfolding, it is crucial for all Americans—citizens, policy makers and media professionals alike—to support the democratic aspirations of people who have lived under an authoritarian regime for the past 30 years and to ensure that discussions about political change remain free from fear-mongering and an unsustainable grip on the status quo,” a statement released by MPAC read.  On Jan. 31 the American Egyptian Muslim Association (AEMA) held a press conference at the Council on American Islamic Relations-Michigan office in Southfield to discuss the current crisis taking place in Egypt including current communications that are ongoing with Egyptians throughout the country. AEMA also offered suggestions to Obama’s administration and Americans on what approaches to take on addressing the issue.