Sisi rules out staying in power beyond 2030

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ruled out extending his presidency beyond 2030, saying the end of his current term is settled and that the country’s constitution will not be amended to prolong his rule.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday (October 17), Sisi said the matter would not be open for further discussion. He also outlined plans to prepare a new generation of leaders ahead of his departure from office.

Under the proposed initiative, the military academy will run a 30-month training programme for potential future leaders, including candidates for the presidency and other senior government positions. A committee involving the speaker of parliament, political figures, intellectuals and government ministers will develop selection criteria and draft legislation for the programme. Sisi said the Egyptian people would ultimately have the opportunity to choose their representatives from among the graduates.

The 71-year-old former army general has been president since 2014. Constitutional amendments approved in 2019 extended presidential terms from four to six years and allowed him to seek another term. He won re-election in December 2023, with his current term scheduled to end in 2030.

Source: Reuters

-AH