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'{{Short description|Sixth President of Egypt, since 2014}} {{pp-pc1}} {{EngvarB|date=September 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific-prefix = [[Excellency|His Excellency]]<br />[[Field Marshal]] | native_name = عبد الفتاح السيسى | native_name_lang = ar | image = AbdelFattah Elsisi (cropped).jpg | caption = Official portrait, 2017 | office = 6th [[President of Egypt]] | primeminister = [[Ibrahim Mahlab]]<br />[[Sherif Ismail]]<br />[[Moustafa Madbouly]] | term_start = 8 June 2014 | term_end = | predecessor = [[Adly Mansour]] {{Small|(Interim)}} | successor = | office1 = [[Prime Minister of Egypt|Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt]] | primeminister1 = [[Hazem al-Beblawi]]<br />[[Ibrahim Mahlab]] | term_start1 = 16 July 2013 | term_end1 = 26 March 2014 | predecessor1 = | successor1 = | office2 = 17th [[Chairperson of the African Union]] | term_start2 = 10 February 2019 | term_end2 = 10 February 2020 | predecessor2 = [[Paul Kagame]] | successor2 = [[Cyril Ramaphosa]]<ref name=cyrilsupport>{{cite news|url=https://todaynewsafrica.com/south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa-elected-african-union-chairperson-as-continent-vows-to-silence-the-guns-boost-trade-and-close-gender-gap/|title=South African President Cyril Ramaphosa elected African Union Chairperson as continent vows to "silence the guns," boost trade and close gender gap |author=Simon|publisher=Today News Africa|date=10 February 2020|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> | office3 = [[Ministry of Defence and Military Production|Minister of Defence]] | primeminister3 = [[Hesham Qandil]]<br />[[Hazem al-Beblawi]]<br />[[Ibrahim Mahlab]] | term_start3 = 12 August 2012 | term_end3 = 26 March 2014 | predecessor3 = [[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi]] | successor3 = [[Sedki Sobhy]] | office4 = Commander-in-Chief of the [[Egyptian Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] | term_start4 = 12 August 2012 | term_end4 = 26 March 2014 | predecessor4 = [[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi]] | successor4 = [[Sedki Sobhy]] | office5 = Director of [[Military intelligence and reconnaissance (Egypt)|Military Intelligence]] | term_start5 = 3 January 2010 | term_end5 = 12 August 2012 | predecessor5 = [[Murad Muwafi]] | successor5 = [[Mahmoud Hegazy]] | birth_name = Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1954|11|19}} | birth_place = [[Cairo]], [[Cairo Governorate]], [[Republic of Egypt (1953–1958)|Republic of Egypt]] | death_date = | death_place = | party = [[Independent politician|Independent]] | spouse = {{marriage|[[Entissar Amer]]|1977}} | children = 4, including [[Mahmoud el-Sisi|Mahmoud]] | parents = Said Hussein Khalil el-Sisi<br />Soad Mohamed | alma_mater = [[Egyptian Military Academy]] | signature = إمضاء الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي - Signature abdel fatah sisi Image.jpg | allegiance = {{flag|Egypt}} | branch = {{army|Egypt}} | serviceyears = 1977–2014 | rank = [[File:EgyField Marshal.png|16px]] [[Egyptian Army ranks|Field Marshal]] | unit = Infantry | battles = [[Gulf War]]<br />[[Sinai insurgency]]<br />[[Second Libyan Civil War]]<br />[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|Yemeni Civil War]] }} '''Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi'''{{efn|{{lang-ar|عبد الفتاح سعيد حسين خليل السيسى}}; {{IPA-arz|ʕæbdel.fætˈtæːħ sæˈʕiːd ħeˈseːn xæˈliːl ɪsˈsiːsi|}}}} (born 19 November 1954) is a retired military officer and [[Egypt]]ian politician who has served as the [[List of presidents of Egypt|sixth]] and current [[president of Egypt]] since 2014. From 2019 to 2020, he also served as [[chairperson of the African Union]]. Before retiring as a general in the Egyptian military in 2014, Sisi served as Egypt’s [[Prime Minister of Egypt|deputy prime minister]] from 2013 to 2014, as its [[Ministry of Defense (Egypt)|minister of defense]] from 2012 to 2013, as its director of [[Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance (Egypt)|military intelligence]] from 2010 to 2012.<ref name=cyrilsupport /> Sisi was born in [[Cairo]] in 1954. As a young man, he joined the [[Egyptian Army]] and held a post in [[Saudi Arabia]] before enrolling in the Egyptian Army's Command and Staff College. Sisi received additional training at the [[Joint Services Command and Staff College]] in the United Kingdom in 1992, and at the [[United States Army War College]] in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 2006. Before becoming director of military intelligence in 2010, he served as a [[mechanized infantry]] commander. After the [[Egyptian revolution of 2011]] and election of [[Mohamed Morsi]] to the Egyptian presidency, Sisi was appointed Minister of Defense by Morsi on 12 August 2012, replacing the [[Hosni Mubarak]]-era [[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi|Hussein Tantawi]]. As the minister of defense, and ultimately commander in chief of the [[Egyptian Armed Forces]], Sisi was involved in [[2013 Egyptian coup d'état|the military coup]] that removed then-president [[Mohamed Morsi]] from office on 3 July 2013, in response to the [[June 2013 Egyptian protests]]. Morsi dissolved the [[Egyptian Constitution of 2012]] and proposed a new constitution, in addition to new parliamentary and presidential elections. Morsi was replaced by an interim president, [[Adly Mansour]], who appointed a [[Beblawi Cabinet|new cabinet]]. Demonstrations, sit-ins, and violent clashes between supporters of Morsi and security forces followed, culminating in the [[August 2013 Rabaa massacre|Rabaa massacre.]] On 26 March 2014, in response to calls from supporters to run for the presidency, Sisi retired from his military career and announced that he would run as a candidate in the [[2014 Egyptian presidential election|2014 presidential election]].<ref name=ao26mar>{{cite web |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/97612/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-ElSisi-bids-military-farewell,-says-he-will.aspx|title=Egypt's El-Sisi bids military farewell, says he will run for presidency|publisher=Ahram Online|date=26 March 2014|access-date=26 March 2014}}</ref> The election, held between 26 and 28 May, featured one opponent, [[Hamdeen Sabahi]],<ref name="bbc.com">{{cite web|title=Egypt election: Sisi secures landslide win|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27614776|publisher=BBC|date=29 May 2014|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref> saw 47% participation by eligible voters, and resulted in Sisi winning in a landslide victory with 97% of the vote.<ref name="bbc.com"/><ref name="EgyptianElection">{{cite news|title=Former army chief scores landslide victory in Egypt presidential polls|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/29/abdel-fatah-al-sisi-sweeps-victory-egyptian-election|access-date=29 May 2014|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20140529-poll-egypt-sisi-landslide-win-president/|title=Egypt's Sisi set for landslide win in presidential vote|agency=France24|date=29 May 2014|access-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602034907/http://www.france24.com/en/20140529-poll-egypt-sisi-landslide-win-president/|archive-date=2 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sisi was sworn into office as [[President of Egypt]] on 8 June 2014. Sisi rules an authoritarian regime in [[Egypt]],<ref name="Truex & Tavana 2019">{{cite journal |last1=Truex |first1=Rory |last2=Tavana |first2=Daniel L. |title=Implicit Attitudes toward an Authoritarian Regime |journal=The Journal of Politics |date=July 2019 |volume=81 |issue=3 |pages=1014–1027 |doi=10.1086/703209 |s2cid=203513334 }}</ref><ref name="foreignpolicy">{{Cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/05/22/egypts-sisi-is-getting-pretty-good-at-being-a-dictator/ |title=Egypt's Sisi Is Getting Pretty Good … at Being a Dictator |last1=Cambanis |first1=Thanassis |date=22 May 2015 |website=Foreign Policy |access-date=25 July 2017}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Egypt: A Move to Enhance Authoritarian Rule|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/02/12/egypt-move-enhance-authoritarian-rule|date=2019|website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020|title=Egypt tries to silence its critics in the United States by jailing their relatives|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypt-tries-to-silence-its-critics-in-the-united-states-by-jailing-their-relatives/2020/07/08/c93a809e-c053-11ea-864a-0dd31b9d6917_story.html}}</ref><!-- ref name="theanondic" (omitted because it was a proxy) --> and some elements of his rule have occasionally been described as even more strict than that of prior authoritarian leader Mubarak.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-03|title=How does Sisi's rule compare to Hosni Mubarak's?|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/how-does-sisi-s-rule-compare-to-hosni-mubarak-s-37810|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-02|website=TRT World|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200705142413/https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/how-does-sisi-s-rule-compare-to-hosni-mubarak-s-37810 |archive-date = 5 July 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Al-Arian|first=Abdullah|date=2020-02-27|title=Hosni Mubarak's legacy is Abdel Fattah el-Sisi|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/2/27/hosni-mubaraks-legacy-is-abdel-fattah-el-sisi|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-02|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201019213139/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/2/27/hosni-mubaraks-legacy-is-abdel-fattah-el-sisi/ |archive-date = 19 October 2020 }}</ref> In the non-democratic [[2018 Egyptian presidential election|2018 presidential election]], Sisi faced only nominal opposition (a pro-government supporter, [[Moussa Mostafa Moussa]]) after the military arrest of [[Sami Hafez Anan|Sami Anan]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Egypt: Planned Presidential Vote Neither Free Nor Fair|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/02/13/egypt-planned-presidential-vote-neither-free-nor-fair|date=13 February 2018|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en|access-date=24 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/23/former-egyptian-general-arrested-by-military-after-announcing-presidential-bid-sami-anan|title=Egypt arrests ex-general who stood for election against Sisi|date=23 January 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|last1=Michaelson|first1=Ruth}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/egypts-brotherhood-offers-support-presidential-hopeful-52542489|title=Egypt's military arrests ex-general running for president|website=[[ABC News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126185202/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/egypts-brotherhood-offers-support-presidential-hopeful-52542489|archive-date=26 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.madamasr.com/en/2018/01/24/news/u/sami-anans-whereabouts-unknown-son|title=Sami Anan's whereabouts unknown: Son|last1=Masr|first1=Mada|date=24 January 2018|website=Mada Masr}}</ref> threats made to [[Ahmed Shafik]] with old corruption charges and an alleged [[sex tape]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-politics/egyptian-ex-pm-ahmed-shafik-says-wont-run-for-presidency-idUSKBN1EW0MV|title=Egyptian ex-PM Ahmed Shafik says won't run for presidency|last1=Awadalla|first1=Nadine|date=7 January 2018|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-ahmed-shafiq-sisi-smear-campaign-772732588|title=Shafiq quit Egypt election bid after threats of 'sex tape' and corruption slurs: Sources|last1=Hearst|first1=David|date=9 January 2018|website=Middle East Eye}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/world/middleeast/egypt-ahmed-shafik.html|title=Egypt's Presidential Race Loses Popular Candidate|last1=Youssef|first1=Nour|date=7 January 2018|website=The New York Times}}</ref> and the withdrawal of [[Khaled Ali]] and [[Mohamed Anwar Esmat Sadat|Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat]] due to the overwhelming obstacles presented, and violations committed, by the elections committee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/24/khaled-ali-withdraws-egyptian-presidential-race-abdel-fatah-al-sissi|title=Khaled Ali withdraws from Egyptian presidential race|last1=Michaelson|first1=Ruth|date=24 January 2018|website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/egypt-presidential-elections-latest-abdel-fattah-al-sisi-challengers-khaled-ali-saddam-hussein-a8177681.html|title=Egypt elections: Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's challengers liken President to Saddam Hussein as they drop out of race|last1=Bower|first1=Edmund|date=25 January 2018|website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/15/anwar-sadats-nephew-backs-egypt-presidential-election |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/15/anwar-sadats-nephew-backs-egypt-presidential-election |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Anwar Sadat's nephew backs out of Egypt presidential election|last1=Sanchez|first1=Raf|date=15 January 2018|newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ==Early life and military education== Sisi was born in [[Old Cairo]] on 19 November 1954,<ref name=bbc21>{{cite news|title=Profile: Egypt armed forces chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19256730|access-date=21 August 2012|publisher=BBC|date=21 August 2012}}</ref> to parents Said Hussein Khalili al-Sisi and Soad Mohamed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Al-Sisi's mother passes away|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2015/08/17/al-sisis-mother-passes-away-2/|publisher=DailyNewsEgypt|access-date=17 August 2015|date=1 July 2014}}</ref> He grew up in Gamaleya, near [[al-Azhar Mosque]], in a quarter where [[Muslims]], [[Jews]] and [[Christians]] resided and in which he later recalled how, during his childhood, he had heard [[church bell]]s and watched Jews flock to the [[synagogue]] unhindered. Sisi would later enroll in the [[Egyptian Military Academy]], and upon graduating he held [[#Main command positions|various command positions]] in the [[Egyptian Armed Forces]] and served as Egypt's [[military attaché]] in [[Riyadh]]. In 1987 he attended the Egyptian Command and Staff College. In 1992 he continued his military career by enrolling in the British [[Joint Services Command and Staff College|Command and Staff College]], and in 2006 enrolled in the [[United States Army War College]] in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.<ref name="Fast">[http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/01/world/africa/abdel-fattah-el-sisi-fast-facts/ Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Fast Facts], CNN, 1 July 2014.</ref> Sisi was the youngest member of the [[Supreme Council of the Armed Forces]] (SCAF) during the [[Egyptian Revolution of 2011]], serving as the director of military intelligence and reconnaissance department. He was later chosen to replace [[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi]] and serve as the commander-in-chief and Minister of Defense and Military Production on 12 August 2012. Sisi's family origins were in the [[Monufia Governorate]]. He is the second of eight siblings (his father later had six additional children with a second wife). His father, a conservative but not radical Muslim,<ref>{{cite news|title=General Al-Sisi: The Man Who Now Runs Egypt |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2013/08/16/general-al-sisi-man-who-now-runs-egypt-237852.html|access-date=26 March 2014|work=Newsweek|date=16 August 2013}}</ref> had a wooden antiques shop for tourists in the historic [[bazaar]] of [[Khan el-Khalili]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Popular wave could lift Egypt army chief to office|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2014/01/30/Popular-wave-could-lift-Egypt-army-chief-to-office.html |publisher=[[Al Arabiya]]|date=30 January 2014}}</ref> He and his siblings studied at the nearby library at [[al-Azhar University]]. Unlike his brothers – one of whom is a senior judge, another a civil servant – el-Sisi went to a local army-run secondary school, where he developed a relationship with his maternal cousin, [[Entissar Amer]]. They were married upon Sisi's graduation from the Egyptian Military Academy in 1977.<ref>{{cite news|title=Popular wave may lift Egypt's Sisi to office|url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Popular-wave-may-lift-Egypts-Sisi-to-office-20140130|access-date=25 May 2014|work=News 24|date=30 January 2014|archive-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215753/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Popular-wave-may-lift-Egypts-Sisi-to-office-20140130|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=In the heartland of the al-Sisi cult|url=http://en.qantara.de/content/presidential-election-in-egypt-in-the-heartland-of-the-al-sisi-cult|access-date=25 May 2014|work=Qantara|date=16 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sisi strikes back at Islamists with 'correct' apolitical Islam|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/May-10/255945-sisi-strikes-back-at-islamists-with-correct-apolitical-islam.ashx |access-date=25 May 2014|agency=Reuters|date=10 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Abdel Fatah al-Sisi: behind the public face of Egypt's soon-to-be president|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/22/abdel-fatah-al-sisi-egypt-president|access-date=25 May 2014|work=The Guardian|date=22 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian presidential candidates' wives in the spotlight |url=http://www.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/nations/egypt/2014/05/13/egyptian-presidential-candidates-wives-in-the-spotlight_a315ce2d-6d01-4f0a-a5a0-96cb39e85e17.htmll|access-date=25 May 2014|work=Ansa|date=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/variety/2014/06/02/Egypt-s-next-First-Daughter-Meet-Aya-al-Sisi-.html |title=Egypt's next first daughter? Meet Aya el-Sisi |publisher=Al Arabiya |date=2 June 2014 |access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/06/08/first-ladys-style-conservative-yet-trendy/ |title=First Lady's style: Conservative yet trendy |work=Daily News Egypt |access-date=9 August 2014|date=8 June 2014 }}</ref> He attended the following courses: *General Command and Staff Course, Egyptian Command and Staff College, 1987;<ref name=MilitaryEducation>{{cite news|title=Profile: Egypt armed forces chief Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi|url=http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=68083|access-date=5 November 2013|work=State Information Service|date=5 November 2013}}</ref> *General Command and Staff Course, [[Joint Services Command and Staff College|Joint Command and Staff College]], United Kingdom, 1992;<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *War Course, Fellowship of the Higher War College, [[Nasser Military Academy]], Egypt, 2003;<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *War Course, [[United States Army War College]], United States, 2006;<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *[[Egyptian Armed Forces]] [[military attaché]] in [[Riyadh]], [[KSA|Saudi Arabia]];<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Basic Infantry Course, United States<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> ==Military career, 1977–2014== El-Sisi received his commission as a military officer in 1977 serving in the [[mechanised infantry]], specialising in [[anti-tank warfare]] and [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] warfare. He became Commander of the Northern Military Region-Alexandria in 2008 and then Director of Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance. El-Sisi was the youngest member of the [[Supreme Council of the Armed Forces|Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of Egypt]]. While a member of the Supreme Council, he made controversial statements regarding allegations that Egyptian soldiers had subjected detained female demonstrators to forced [[virginity test]]s. He is reported to have told Egypt's state-owned newspaper that "the virginity-test procedure was done to protect the girls from rape as well as to protect the soldiers and officers from rape accusations."<ref name=bbc21/> He was the first member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to admit that the invasive tests had been carried out.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/middleeast/2011/06/110627_egypt_amnesty_virginity.shtml Egypt amnesty virginity] BBC. 27 June 2011.</ref> [[File:USMC-091012-M-8583E-016.jpg|thumb|US-Egypt [[Operation Bright Star|Bright Star exercise]] in 2009. Sisi was sitting on the left back seat.]] ===Main command positions=== *Commander, 509th Mechanized Infantry Battalion<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Chief of Staff, 134th Mechanized Infantry Brigade<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Commander, 16th Mechanized Infantry Brigade<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Chief of Staff, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Division<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Chief of Staff, Northern Military Zone<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Deputy Director, Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance Department<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Director, Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance Department<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> Also reported is commander of the 23rd Mechanized Division, Third Field Army. ===Minister of Defense=== [[File:Egyptian Minister of Defense Abdel Fatah Al Sisi.jpg|thumb|left|Field Marshal Sisi as Minister of Defense, 2013]] On 12 August 2012, Egyptian President [[Mohamed Morsi]] made a decision to replace the Mubarak-era [[Field Marshal]] [[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi]], the head of the [[Egyptian Armed Forces]], with then little-known el-Sisi. He also promoted him to the rank of colonel general.<ref>{{cite news|title=Morsy assumes power: Sacks Tantawi and Anan, reverses constitutional decree and reshuffles SCAF|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2012/08/12/morsy-assumes-power-sacks-tantawi-and-anan-reverses-constitutional-decree-and-reshuffles-scaf/|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=[[Daily News Egypt]]|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Sisi was then described by the official website of [[Freedom and Justice Party (Egypt)|FJP]] as a "Defense minister with revolutionary taste".<ref>{{cite news|title=السيسي".. وزير دفاع بنكهة "25 يناير" ورئيس لمصر بتأييد "30 يونيو |url=http://almogaz.com/news/politics/2014/06/03/1507588|access-date=26 July 2013}}</ref> El-Sisi also took the post of [[Egyptian Armed Forces|Minister of Defense and Military Production]] in the [[Qandil Cabinet]]. [[File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Egyptian Defense Minister al-Sisi.jpg|thumb|US Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] meets with Egyptian Defense Minister el-Sisi in [[Cairo]], 3 March 2013]] El-Sisi was appointed as Minister of Defense on 12 August 2012. He remained in office under the new government formed after the deposition of Morsi, and led by [[Hazem al-Beblawi]]. He was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt. On 27 January 2014, he was promoted to the rank of [[field marshal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-28/egypt27s-military-council-meets-to-decide-sisi27s-political-a/5221486|title=Egypt's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi receives a promotion ahead of likely presidency bid|date=27 January 2014|access-date=27 January 2014|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> ===Civil uprising, coup d'état and transition=== [[File:Anti-Morsi protest poster june 2013.jpg|thumb|Protesters demanding the overthrow of Morsi, June 2013]] {{main|June 2013 Egyptian protests|2013 Egyptian coup d'état|August 2013 Rabaa massacre}} Mass demonstrations occurred on 30 June 2013 as Egyptians took to the streets to denounce Mohamed Morsi. Clashes took place around Egypt. Soon afterwards, the [[Egyptian Army]] issued a 48-hour ultimatum which aired on television that gave the country's political parties until 3 July to meet the demands of the anti-Morsi demonstrators. The Egyptian military also threatened to intervene if the dispute was not resolved by then.<ref name="alprofile">{{cite news|title=Profile: General Abdel Fattah Al Sisi|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/07/201373112752442652.html|access-date=3 July 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=3 July 2013}}</ref> [[File:Wikimedia 2016 -30.jpg|thumb|Egyptians demanding the overthrow of Morsi, 2 July 2013]] On 3 July 2013, the Egyptian Armed Forces declared that as the political parties had failed to meet the deadline and Morsi had failed to build a national consensus for his leadership, the army had to overthrow Morsi in a coup d'état. The army then installed the Chief Justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court [[Adly Mansour]] as the interim head of state in his place until a new president could be elected, and ordered the arrest of many members of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]] on charges of "inciting violence and disturbing general security and peace."<ref name="businessinsider">{{cite news|title=Egypt Orders Mass Arrests of Muslim Brotherhood Members|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/egypt-orders-mass-arrests-of-muslim-brotherhood-members-2013-7|access-date=3 July 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=3 July 2013}}</ref> El-Sisi announced on television that the president had "failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people" and declared that the constitution would be temporarily suspended, which was met by acceptance from anti-Morsi demonstrations and condemnation from pro-Morsi supporters in Rabaa al-Adawiya. On 24 July 2013, during a speech at a military parade, el-Sisi called for mass demonstrations to grant the [[Egyptian Army|Egyptian military]] and [[Egyptian National Police|police]] a "mandate" to crack down on terrorism.<ref>{{cite news|title=Showdown in Cairo: Egyptian general demands permission to take on the 'terrorists'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/showdown-in-cairo-egyptian-general-demands-permission-to-take-on-the-terrorists-8729903.html|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=24 July 2013|location=London|first1=Alastair|last1=Beach}}</ref> While supporters interpreted this to mean that el-Sisi felt the need of the people to prove to the world that it was not a coup but the popular will, the statement was seen by opponents as contradicting the military's pledges to hand over power to civilians after removing Morsi and as indicating an imminent crackdown against Islamists.<ref name=NewYorkTimes>{{cite news|title=Egyptian General Calls for Mass Protests|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/world/middleeast/egypt.html|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 July 2013|first1=Kareem|last1=Fahim}}</ref><ref name=BBC>{{cite news|title=Army chief's rally call finds backing in Egypt press |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23451119|access-date=26 July 2013|publisher=BBC|date=25 July 2013}}</ref> The reactions to el-Sisi's announcement ranged from open support from the [[President of Egypt|Egyptian presidency]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's presidency calls for protests against 'terrorism'|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/77314/Egypt/0/Egypts-presidency-calls-for-protests-against-terro.aspx|access-date=26 July 2013|work=[[Al-Ahram|Ahram online]]|date=24 July 2013}}</ref> and the [[Tamarod|Tamarod movement]]<ref>{{cite news|title='Rebel' endorses el-Sisi's call for Friday demos|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/77348/Egypt/Politics-/Rebel-endorses-ElSisis-call-for-Friday-demos.aspx|access-date=26 July 2013|work=[[Al-Ahram|Ahram online]]|date=25 July 2013}}</ref> to rejection, not only by the [[Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt|Muslim Brotherhood]],<ref name=NewYorkTimes /> but also by the Salafi [[Nour Party]],<ref name=Nour>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Nour Party and 6 April reject El-Sisi's call for Friday rallies|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/77309/Egypt/0/Egypts-Nour-Party-and--April-reject-ElSisis-call-f.aspx|access-date=26 July 2013|work=[[Al-Ahram|Ahram Online]]|date=24 July 2013}}</ref> the Islamist [[Strong Egypt Party]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Abol Fotouh warns against army-called rally|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-protests-abolfotouh-20130724,0,7656397.story|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130726173524/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-protests-abolfotouh-20130724,0,7656397.story|archive-date=26 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> the liberal [[April 6 Youth Movement]]<ref>{{cite news|title=6 April Youth Movement to stay off the streets on Friday|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/07/26/6-april-youth-movement-to-stay-off-the-streets-on-friday/|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=[[Daily News Egypt]]|date=26 July 2013}}</ref> and some Egyptian human rights groups.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt rights groups voice misgiving about army's call for rallies|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/77394/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-rights-groups-voice-misgiving-about-armys-ca.aspx|access-date=26 July 2013|work=[[Al-Ahram|Ahram online]]|date=26 July 2013}}</ref> During the [[August 2013 Rabaa massacre|August 2013 Cairo sit-ins dispersal]], the Egyptian military under el-Sisi's command was involved in assisting the [[Egyptian National Police|national police]] in dispersing two sit-ins held by Muslim Brotherhood/Morsi supporters from sit-ins in Rabaa el-Adaweya and Nahda squares. This action resulted in rapidly escalating violence that eventually led to [[August 2013 Rabaa Massacre#Casualties|deaths of 638 people]], of whom 595 were protestors and 43 were security forces, with at least 3,994 injured from both sides (according to the Ministry of Health). In addition to several violent incidents in various cities including Menya and Kerdasa against security forces which resulted in the [[Kerdasa massacre]].<ref name="ahram1">{{cite news|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/79160/Egypt/Politics-/Death-toll-from-Egypt-violence-rises-to--Health-mi.aspx |title=Death toll from Egypt violence rises to 638: Health ministry |work=Al-Ahram |date=15 August 2013 |access-date=19 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816130732/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/79160/Egypt/Politics-/Death-toll-from-Egypt-violence-rises-to--Health-mi.aspx |archive-date=16 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/world/middleeast/egypt.html |title=Islamists Debate Their Next Move in Tense Cairo |author=David D. Kirkpatrick |newspaper=The New York Times |date=15 August 2013 |access-date=19 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817231843/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/world/middleeast/egypt.html?_r=0 |archive-date=17 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Writing for British newspaper ''[[The Independent]]'' in August 2013, [[Robert Fisk]] described then-General el-Sisi as being at a loss, but that a massacre - as Fisk called the sit-in dispersal - would go down in history as an infamy.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fisk|first1=Robert|author-link=Robert Fisk|title=In Egypt General al-Sisi is at a loss – but a massacre on Eid would bring too much infamy|work=The Independent|date=8 August 2013|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/in-egypt-general-alsisi-is-at-a-loss--but-a-massacre-on-eid-would-bring-too-much-infamy-8750836.html|location=London}}</ref> Writing for the American magazine ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', Lee Smith concluded that "Egypt's new leader is unfit to rule", referring not to the actual head of government at the time, interim president [[Adly Mansour]], but to Sisi.<ref>{{cite news|last1= Smith|first1=Lee|author-link=Lee Smith (journalist)|title=Viewpoint: Egypt's New Leader Is Unfit to Rule|url=http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/20/viewpoint-egypts-new-leader-is-unfit-to-rule/|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=20 August 2013}}</ref> In a file published by the State Information Services, the government explained the raids by stating that "police went on to use force dispersing the sit-in on 14 August 2013 with the least possible damage, causing hundreds of civilians and police to fall as victims, while [[Muslim Brotherhood]] supporters imposed a blockade for 46 days against the people in al-Nahda and Rabaa al-Adawiya squares under the name of sit-in where tens of protesters took to the street daily hindered the lives of the Egyptians, causing unrest and the death or injury of many victims as well as damage to public and private properties".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?CatID=2674| title=Sit in Dispersal| author =State Information Services|work=State Information Services|date=15 August 2013|access-date=19 August 2013}}</ref> On 3 August 2013, el-Sisi gave his first interview since the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi. Speaking to ''[[The Washington Post]]'', he criticised the US response and accused the [[Obama administration]] of disregarding the Egyptian popular will and of providing insufficient support amid threats of a civil war, saying, "You left the Egyptians. You turned your back on the Egyptians and they won't forget that.".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/rare-interview-with-egyptian-gen-abdel-fatah-al-sissi/2013/08/03/a77eb37c-fbc4-11e2-a369-d1954abcb7e3_story.html|title=Rare interview with Egyptian Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi [sic]|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=3 August 2013|access-date=30 January 2014|first1=Lally|last1=Weymouth}}</ref> On 6 October war anniversary in 2013, el-Sisi announced that the army was committed to the popular mandate of 26 July 2013: "We are committed, in front of God, to the Egyptian and Arab people that we will protect Egypt, the Egyptians and their free will."<ref name="dailynewsegypt.com">{{cite news|title=Egypt rights groups voice misgiving about army's call for rallies|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/10/07/egyptian-people-will-never-forget-who-stood-with-them-or-against-them-al-sisi/|access-date=7 October 2013|newspaper=[[Daily News Egypt]]|date=7 October 2013}}</ref>[[File:SISI protesters in Cardiff, Wales - 2013-09-21.jpg|thumb|Egyptian protesters carry [[Anti-Coup Alliance]] signs in [[Cardiff, UK]] on 21 Sept 2013]]During the anniversary celebration that year, General el-Sisi invited the [[United Arab Emirates|Emirati]], [[Iraq]]i, [[Bahrain]]i, [[Morocco|Moroccan]] and [[Jordan]]ian defense ministers to celebrate with him. During his speech he said in a warning way that the Egyptian people "will never forget who stood with them or against them". El-Sisi described 6 October as "a day to celebrate for all Arabs", hoping for the "unification of Arabs". He also thanked "Egypt's Arab brothers, who stood by its side." El-Sisi commented on the relationship between the Egyptian army and Egyptian people, saying that it is hard to break. El-Sisi said: "We would die before you [the Egyptian people] would feel pain". He also compared the Egyptian army to the Pyramid, saying that "it cannot be broken".<ref name="dailynewsegypt.com"/> ====Civil liberties==== After Sisi had ousted president Morsi and disbanded the Shura Council, in September 2013 interim president Adly Mansour temporarily decreed that ministers could award contracts without a [[request for tender]]. In the next month, the government awarded building contracts worth approximately one billion dollars to the Egyptian Army.<ref name=kingsley_list>{{cite news|last1=Kingsley|first1=Patrick|title=Worse than the dictators: Egypt's leaders bring pillars of freedom crashing down|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/sp-egypt-pillars-of-freedom-crashing-down|access-date=1 September 2015|work=The Guardian|date=26 December 2014}}</ref> In April 2014, the interim government's Investment Law banned appeals against government contracts. Also in September 2013, the interim government removed pre-trial detention limits for certain crimes, allowing unconvicted political dissidents to remain [[Indefinite detention without trial|in detention indefinitely]]. In November 2013, el-Sisi's government banned protests in an attempt to combat the growing pro-Brotherhood unrest; the police arrested thousands of Egyptians using the new law.<ref name=kingsley_list /> On 24 March 2014, an Egyptian court sentenced 529 members of the Muslim Brotherhood [[Capital punishment|to death]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1095268/egypt-sentences-529-morsi-supporters-to-death|title=Egyptian Court ordered Death sentence to 529 Members|work=Dawn|date=24 March 2014|access-date=24 March 2014}}</ref> following an attack on a police station in 2013, an act described by [[Amnesty International]] as "the largest single batch of simultaneous death sentences we've seen in recent years […] anywhere in the world".<ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt: sentencing to death of more than 500 people is a 'grotesque' ruling |url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/egypt-sentencing-death-more-500-people-grotesque-ruling|publisher=[[Amnesty International|amnesty.org.uk]]|date=24 March 2014|access-date=25 March 2014}}</ref> The [[BBC]] reported that by May 2016, approximately 40,000 people, mostly Brotherhood members or loyalists, had been imprisoned since Morsi's overthrow.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36231986 "Egypt crackdown widens with arrest of leading rights lawyer"]. BBC News. 6 May 2016.</ref> ====Cult of personality==== The anti-Morsi demonstrators on the streets welcomed el-Sisi's announcement of the overthrow of Morsi with celebrations and carried posters of el-Sisi, chanting "The Army and the People are one hand" and supporting General el-Sisi. On social networks, thousands of Egyptians changed their profile pictures to pictures of el-Sisi, while others started campaigns requesting that El-Sisi be promoted to the rank of [[field marshal]], while others hoped he would be nominated in the next presidential elections.<ref name="The Cult of Sisi">{{cite news|title=The Cult of Sisi|url=http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/the-cult-of-sisi/ | work=The New York Times | first1=Ursula|last1=Lindsey|date=12 September 2013}}</ref> Cupcakes, chocolate and necklaces bearing the "CC" initials were created, restaurants in Egypt named sandwiches after him, blogs shared his pictures, and columns, op-eds, television shows and interviews discussed the "new idol of the Nile valley" in the Egyptian mainstream media.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news|title=The Cult of Sisi|url=http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/the-cult-of-sisi/?_r=0 | work=The New York Times | first1=Ursula|last1=Lindsey|date=12 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="Catch the Al-Sisi mania">{{cite news|title=Catch the Al Sisi mania|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/4103/44/Catch-the-Al-Sisi-mania.aspx|work=Ahram online|access-date=6 November 2013|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121102/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/4103/44/Catch-the-Al-Sisi-mania.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="And El Sisi Mania goes on and on">{{cite news|url=http://egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/10/and-el-sisi-mania-goes-on-and-on.html|title=El Sisi mania goes on and on|work=Egyptian Chronicle|date=25 October 2013|access-date=30 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="It's 'Sisi-Mania,' as Nationalist Fervor Sweeps Through Egypt">{{cite news|title=It's 'Sisi-Mania,' as Nationalist Fervor Sweeps Through Egypt|url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/its-sisi-mania-as-nationalist-fervor-sweeps-through-egypt/|work=The Lede|access-date=30 January 2014|first1=Liam|last1=Stack|date=25 October 2013}}</ref> On 6 December 2013, el-Sisi was named "[[Time Person of the Year|''Time'' Person of the Year]]" in [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] magazine's annual reader poll.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rayman|first1=Noah|url=http://poy.time.com/2013/12/05/egypts-sisi-wins-readers-poll-for-time-person-of-the-year/|title=Egypt's Sisi Wins Reader Poll for Time Person of the Year|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=5 December 2013|access-date=7 December 2013}}</ref> The accompanying article noted "Sisi's success reflected the genuine popularity of a man who led what was essentially a military coup in July against the democratically elected government of then President Mohammed Morsi."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Khalil|first1=Ashraf|url=http://poy.time.com/2013/12/05/egypts-sisi-wins-readers-poll-for-time-person-of-the-year/|title=Egypt's Sisi Wins Reader Poll for Time Person of the Year|magazine=Time|date=6 December 2013|access-date=7 December 2013}}</ref> The "Kamel Gemilak" (Finish Your Favor) and "El-Sisi for President" campaigns were started to gather signatures to press el-Sisi, who had said he had no desire to govern, to run for presidency.<ref name="Kamel Gemeilak">{{cite news|title=Egypt army chief El-Sisi pushed towards presidential run|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/81472.aspx|work=Ahram Online|date=30 September 2013|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> Many politicians and parties including Egyptians and non-Egyptians had announced their support for el-Sisi in the event of his running for president, including the [[National Salvation Front (Egypt)|National Salvation Front]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/nsf-will-back-sisi-if-he-runs-president-badawy-says|title=NSF will back Sisi if he runs for president, Badawy says|date=4 November 2013|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> [[Tamarod]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/we-support-sabahi-if-sisi-does-not-run-presidency-tamarod-founder|title=We support Sabahi if Sisi does not run for presidency: Tamarod Founder|date=17 December 2013|access-date=4 June 2014}}</ref> [[Amr Moussa]], a previous candidate for the presidency,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/moussa-urges-sisi-run-president|title=Moussa urges Sisi to run for president|date=18 December 2013|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> Abdel-Hakim Abdel-Nasser son of late President [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]],<ref name="Kamel Gemeilak"/> unsuccessful presidential candidate [[Ahmed Shafik]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/09/09/shafiq-will-not-run-for-presidency-if-al-sisi-nominates-himself/|title=Shafiq will not run for presidency if Al-Sisi nominates himself|work=Daily News Egypt|date=9 September 2013|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Hazem Al Beblawi]],<ref>[http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/01/23/Egypt-s-PM-backs-Sisi-for-president.html Egypt's PM backs Sisi for president] Al Arabiya. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref> [[Naguib Sawiris]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://arabic.cnn.com/2013/middle_east/12/10/sisi.rally-call/index.html|title=Swiris Backs AlSisi|publisher=CNN}}</ref> the [[Free Egyptians Party]], the Revolutionary Forces Bloc,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecairopost.com/news/85553|title=Revolutionary Forces Bloc declares support for Sisi's bid for president|work=TheCairoPost}}</ref> and the Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]].<ref name="news.yahoo.com">{{Cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/putin-supports-sisi-bid-egypt-presidency-105844707.html;_ylt=AwrBEiGdqvxSTUEAXZrQtDMD |title=Putin backs Sisi's 'run' for Egyptian presidency |date=13 February 2014 |agency=Agence France-Presse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302014200/http://news.yahoo.com/putin-supports-sisi-bid-egypt-presidency-105844707.html%3B_ylt%3DAwrBEiGdqvxSTUEAXZrQtDMD |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, [[Hamdeen Sabahi]] ran against him in the presidential race.<ref>David Kirkpatrick. (28 January 2014). [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/world/middleeast/egypt.html?hpw&rref=world&_r=0 Egypt's Ruler Eyes Riskier Role: The Presidency] ''The New York Times''. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref> Subsequently, Sabahi issued criticisms of Sisi and his candidacy by expressing doubt about Sisi's commitment to democracy, arguing that the general bears a measure of direct and indirect responsibility for the [[human rights violation]]s carried out during the period of the interim government. He also denounced what he deemed to be the transitional government's hostility toward the goals of the revolution.<ref name=ao19janhamdeen>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/91945/Egypt/Politics-/Sabbahi-I-am-the-only-presidential-candidate-so-fa.aspx|title=Sabbahi: I am the only presidential candidate so far in Egypt|work=Ahram Online|date=19 January 2014|access-date=14 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecairopost.com/news/76020/politics/politicians-defend-possible-sisi-candidacy|title=Politicians defend possible Sisi candidacy|work=The Cairo Post|date=19 January 2014|access-date=14 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-politics-sabahi-idUSBREA2C1HI20140313|title=Egyptian candidate questions Sisi's commitment to democracy|work=Reuters|date=13 March 2014|access-date=14 March 2014|archive-date=14 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314004210/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/13/us-egypt-politics-sabahi-idUSBREA2C1HI20140313|url-status=live}}</ref> Kamel Gemilak claimed to have collected 26 million signatures asking Sisi to run for president.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/01/21/misr-balady-front-calls-on-al-sisi-to-run-for-presidency/|title=Misr Balady Front calls on Al-Sisi to run for presidency|agency=Reuters|date=21 January 2014|access-date=21 January 2014}}</ref> On 21 January 2014, Kamel Gemilak organised a mass conference call in [[Cairo International Stadium]] to call on el-Sisi to run for president.<ref>{{cite news|title=Supporters urge Egypt general to run for president|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/supporters-urge-egypt-general-to-run-for-president/|date=21 January 2014|access-date=3 June 2014|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> On 6 February 2014, the Kuwaiti newspaper [[al-Seyassah]] claimed that el-Sisi would run for president, saying that he had to meet the wishes of the Egyptian people for him to run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/egypt-army-chief-confirms-presidential-bid-201425225057233402.html|title=Egypt's army chief Sisi to run for president|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=5 February 2014|access-date=5 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-egypt-sisi-election-idUKBREA1426W20140206|title=Egypt army chief Sisi says will run for president – report|work=Reuters|date=6 February 2014|access-date=6 February 2014}}</ref> El-Sisi confirmed on 26 March 2014 that he would run for president in the [[2014 Egyptian presidential election|presidential election]].<ref name=ao26mar /> Shortly after his announcement, popular [[hashtags]] were started for and [[vote for the pimp|against]] el-Sisi's presidential bid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Anti-Sisi hashtag sweeps Twitter|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26811376|access-date=31 March 2014|publisher=BBC|date=30 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Twitter hashtags declare defiance Twitter|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/04/egypt-twitter-hashtags-declare-defiance-201448154324428189.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=9 April 2014}}</ref> The presidential election, which took place between 26 and 28 May 2014, saw el-Sisi win 96 percent of votes counted;<ref name="EgyptianElection" /> it was held without the participation of the [[Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt|Muslim Brotherhood]]'s [[Freedom and Justice Party (Egypt)|Freedom & Justice Party]], which had won every prior post-Mubarak electoral contest. ==Presidency (2014–present)== President Sisi was sworn into office on 8 June 2014. The event was marked by an impromptu public holiday in Egypt in conjunction with festivals held nationwide.<ref name=sisiing>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Sisi sworn in as president|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/08/egypt-sisi-sworn-in-president|work=The Guardian|date=8 June 2014}}</ref> [[Tahrir Square]] was prepared to receive millions of Egyptians celebrating Sisi's win; police and soldiers shut down the square outlets with barbed wires and barricades, as well as electronic portals for detecting any explosives that could spoil the festivities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201406041297.html|title=Egyptians Celebrate President Sisi's Winning}}</ref> Sisi's oath of office was administered in the morning in [[Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt|Egypt's Supreme constitutional court]] in front of the deputy head of the constitutional court, Maher Sami, who described el-Sisi as a "rebel soldier" and a "revolutionary hero"; ex-president [[Adly Mansour]]; other constitutional court members; and a group of Egypt's top politicians. Sisi later moved to the [[Heliopolis Palace]], where a 21-gun salute welcomed the new president, before the ex-president received Sisi near the palace's stairway. Sisi then presided over a reception for the foreign presidents, emirs, kings, and official delegations who had been invited. No representatives of [[Turkey]], [[Tunisia]] or [[Qatar]] were invited, reportedly because of their governments' critical stances regarding then-recent events in Egypt;<ref name=sisiing2>{{cite news|title=All diplomats in Egypt invited to Sisi's inauguration: Foreign Ministry|url=http://thecairopost.com/news/114001/news/all-diplomats-in-egypt-invited-to-sisis-inauguration-foreign-ministry|work=The Cairo Post|date=8 June 2014}}</ref> representatives of [[Israel]] were also not invited. In a ceremony at Heliopolis Palace, Sisi gave a speech to the attendees. He and the previous president, Adly Mansour, also signed a document officially transferring power to Sisi, which was the first time in Egyptian history that power had been transferred in this way. Sisi then went on to [[Koubbeh Palace]], where the final ceremony was held. There, he gave the final speech of the day to 1,200 attendees representing a spectrum of the Egyptian people—from various walks of life and from each of the provinces of Egypt. He described the problems that he said Egypt was facing, and his plan for addressing them, and declared, "In its next phase, Egypt will witness a total rise on both internal and external fronts, to compensate for what we have missed and correct the mistakes of the past". Sisi then issued his first presidential decree, conferring the [[Order of the Nile]] upon the previous president, Adly Mansour.<ref name=sisimansor>{{cite news|title=President El-Sisi grants Adly Mansour highest medal|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/103217/Egypt/Politics-/President-ElSisi-grants-Adly-Mansour-highest-medal.aspx|work=Ahram Online|date=8 June 2014}}</ref> ===Domestic policy=== {{see|Human rights in Egypt}} According to [[Freedom House]] , President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has governed Egypt in an increasingly authoritarian manner. They claim that meaningful political opposition is virtually nonexistent and that security forces engage in human rights abuses with impunity.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Freedom House |title=Egypt |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/egypt/freedom-world/2021 |access-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> Sisi has expressed his personal concerns about the issue of sexual assault in the country. He was photographed during a hospital visit to a woman receiving treatment after an assault during celebrations in [[Cairo]]'s [[Tahrir Square]], ordering the [[Egyptian Army|army]], the [[Egyptian National Police|police]], and the media to counter the issue.<ref name=sisiby>{{Cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/business/economy/2014/06/13/Egypt-s-Sisi-goes-cycling-for-fuel-economy.html|title=Egypt's Sisi goes cycling for fuel economy|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=12 June 2014}}</ref> El-Sisi has called for the reform and modernisation of Islam;<ref>{{cite news|title=From Egypt's leader, an ambitious call for reform in Islam|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4612771,00.html|access-date=30 August 2015|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> to that end, he has taken measures within Egypt such as regulating mosque sermons and changing school textbooks (including the removal of some content on [[Saladin]] and [[Uqba ibn Nafi]] inciting or glorifying hatred and violence).<ref>{{cite news|author1=Ayah Aman|title=Egypt strikes Islamic texts from schools, angering Salafists|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/originals/2015/04/egypt-ministry-education-remove-islamic-texts-violence.html#|access-date=30 August 2015|work=[[Al-Monitor]]|date=16 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Muslim dress in Egypt: Haughty about the hijab|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21662561-women-campaign-against-places-ban-veil-haughty-about-hijab|access-date=30 August 2015|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=29 August 2015}}</ref> He has also called for an end to the Islamic [[Divorce in Islam#Talaq (repudiation)|verbal divorce]]; however, this was rejected by a council of scholars from [[Al-Azhar University]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's clerics are resisting the president's call to renew Islam|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21717081-sisi-versus-sheikhs-reforming-islam-egypt|access-date=18 February 2017|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=16 February 2017}}</ref> El-Sisi also became the first Egyptian president in the country's history to attend Christmas Mass<ref name=sisichri>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/07/egypt-president-sisi-coptic-christmas-mass-cairo|title=Egyptian president attends Coptic Christmas Eve mass in Cairo|first1=Patrick|last1=Kingsley|date=7 January 2015|via=www.theguardian.com|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> and gave a speech at the Coptic Orthodox Christmas service in Cairo in January 2015 calling for unity and wishing the Christians a merry Christmas.<ref name=sisichri /><ref name=sisichri2>{{Cite web|url=https://egyptianstreets.com/2015/01/06/egypts-sisi-becomes-first-president-to-attend-christmas-mass/|title=Egypt's Sisi Becomes First President to Attend Christmas Mass|date=6 January 2015}}</ref> ====Human rights policy==== [[File:Stop the repression in Egypt - Stop Sisi's visit to London.jpg|thumb|Protesters outside [[10 Downing Street]] against UK visit of President Sisi in November 2015]] According to [[Human Rights Watch]], Sisi's government used torture and [[enforced disappearances]] against his political opponents and criminal suspects. Extrajudicial killings were committed by the military in its campaign against [[Wilayah Sayna]], an ISIS affiliate in North Sinai. In addition to prosecutions, travel bans and asset freezes against human rights defenders, and repressive new legislations that threaten to kill the independent civil society.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/n-africa/egypt|title=Egypt|website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> The government is also responsible for arbitrary arrests and torture of children as young as twelve.<ref name="HRW_Egyptian_child_abuse">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/egypt0320_full_report_pdf.pdf|title='Noone cared he was a child - Egyptian security forces' abuse of children in detention|date=25 March 2020|website=[[Human Rights Watch]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215150150/https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/egypt0320_full_report_pdf.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[2019 Egyptian protests|Mass demonstrations]] against his government broke out on 20 September 2019, protesting perceived corruption, repression and lack of freedom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/egyptians-protest-against-sisi-government-cairo-suez/30177332.html|title=Hundreds Of Egyptians Protest Against Government, Demand Sisi Resignation|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/egyptian-authorities-round-hundreds-after-rare-protests|title=Egyptian Authorities Round Up Hundreds After Rare Protests|website=Voice of America}}</ref> Sisi blamed political Islam for protests and instability. According to him, "As long as we have political Islam movements that aspire for power, our region will remain in a state of instability." Sisi stated that public opinion in Egypt would not accept political Islam to return to government, referring to 30 June 2013 uprising and coup d'état against the Muslim Brotherhood rule.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://ww.dailynewssegypt.com/2019/09/24/as-long-as-we-have-political-islam-there-will-be-instability-al-sisi-from-new-york/ |title = As long as we have political Islam, there will be instability: Al-Sisi from New York|date = 24 September 2019}}</ref> ====Economic reforms==== [[Image:President al-Sisi Listens as Secretary Kerry Addresses Audience of Several Thousand Attending Egyptian Development Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh.jpg|thumb|220px|El-Sisi listens as US Secretary of State Kerry addresses audience of several thousand attending the [[Egypt Economic Development Conference|EEDC]]]] Sisi, who is reportedly facing a severe economic ordeal in Egypt, has decided to raise fuel prices by 78 percent as an introduction to cut the subsidies on basic food stuffs and energy, which eat up nearly a quarter of the state budget. The Egyptian government has always provided these subsidies as a crucial aid to millions of people who live in poverty, fearing people's anger in five years time.<ref name="tax1">{{Cite web|date=6 July 2014|title=El-Sisi Says Price Rises to Save Egypt From Debt Drowning|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-06/el-sisi-says-price-rises-to-save-egypt-from-debt-drowning.html|access-date=26 September 2020|website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> Egypt has spent $96 billion on [[energy subsidies]] in a decade [[Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing|which made petrol]] in Egypt among the world's cheapest.<ref name="tax1" /> Cutting the energy subsidies will save 51 billion pounds. The government hopes the decision will benefit services such as health and education. Sisi also raised taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, applying a flat tax on local and imported cigarettes to between 25 and 40 cents per pack, as well as new property taxes, and plans to introduce a new scheme for value-added taxes.<ref name="tax2">{{cite news|title=Egypt president raises cigarette, alcohol prices|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/egypt-president-raises-cigarette-alcohol-134552843.html|access-date=7 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022652/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/egypt-president-raises-cigarette-alcohol-134552843.html|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chicken prices would reportedly rise by 25 percent days after the decision because of added transportation costs. Mini-bus and taxi fares were raised by about 13 percent.<ref name="tax1" /> Slashing subsidies was recommended by international financial institutions, but no Egyptian leader had managed to broach the issue, fearing unrest in a country where nearly 30 percent of the population live in poverty and rely on government aid.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/3/12/396107/Business/Economy/Egypt%E2%80%99s-poverty-rate-declines-to--CAPMAS.aspx#:~:text=Egypt%27s%20poverty%20rate%20declined%20to,Mobilisation%20and%20Statistics%20(CAPMAS).| title = Egypt’s poverty rate declines to 29.7%: CAPMAS - Economy - Business - Ahram Online}} </ref> President Sisi defended the decision to raise fuel prices, saying it was "bitter medicine" that should have been taken before and was "50 years late" but was not taken, as governments feared a backlash like the [[1977 Egyptian Bread Riots|Bread Riots of 1977]].<ref name="tax3">{{Cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-subsidies-cut-much-needed-bitter-medicine-sisi-181438235.html|title=Egypt subsidies cut much-needed 'bitter medicine': Sisi|website=news.yahoo.com}}</ref> Sisi, who had previously accepted only half of his own pay, called on Egyptians to make sacrifices, vowing to repair an economy growing at the slowest pace in two decades. Sisi warned Egyptians of more pain over the next two years from economic problems that he said had accumulated over the last four decades and needed to be fixed.<ref name="tax4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/08/world/middleeast/abdel-fattah-el-sisi-says-he-regrets-conviction-of-al-jazeera-journalists-and-preferred-egypt-had-deported-theme.html|title=Egypt's President Expresses Disappointment Over Conviction of Three Journalists|first1=Kareem|last1=Fahim|date=7 July 2014|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Egypt also paid more than $6 billion it owed to foreign oil companies within two months.<ref name=autogenerated3>{{Cite web|title = Egypt to start paying foreign oil firms by year end – EGPC – News – Aswat Masriya|url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=2948b6e5-f74c-479a-8ef5-e674faf3c4a9|website = en.aswatmasriya.com|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> By March 2015 after 8 months of Sisi's rule, Egypt's external debt fell to $39.9&nbsp;billion, a drop of 13.5 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Egypt's external debt drops to $39.9 bn at end of March – central bank – News – Aswat Masriya|url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=2b98080c-b799-4e21-bb5c-8c2b4c1ba283|website = en.aswatmasriya.com|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> As a result of the economic reforms, [[Moody's Corporation|Moody's]] raised Egypt's credit ratings outlook to stable from negative<ref>{{Cite web|title = Moody's raises Egypt's outlook to stable on political stability, improved growth – News – Aswat Masriya|url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=86f50bef-c634-4dfb-a790-34f1810d03c2|website = en.aswatmasriya.com|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> and [[Fitch Ratings|Fitch]] Ratings upgraded Egypt's credit rating one step to "B" from "B-".<ref>{{Cite web|title = Fitch upgrades Egypt rating to B, cites subsidy cuts – News – Aswat Masriya|url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=7abc5bb7-6aa5-4d54-bc5f-4ac4398eb886|website = en.aswatmasriya.com|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> Standard & Poor's rated Egypt B-minus with a stable outlook and upgraded Egypt's credit rating in November 2013. On 7 April 2015, Moody's upgraded Egypt's outlook from Caa1 to B3 with stable outlook expecting real GDP growth in Egypt to recover to 4.5% year-on-year for the fiscal year 2015, which ends in June, and then to rise to around 5%–6% over the coming four years<ref>{{Cite web|title = Moody's upgrades Egypt to B3 with a stable outlook {{!}} Egypt Independent|url = http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/moody-s-upgrades-egypt-b3-stable-outlook|access-date = 2 June 2015|date = 7 April 2015}}</ref> compared to 2.5% in 2014. In May 2015, Egypt chose the banks to handle its return to the international bond market after a gap of five years marking a return of economic and political stability in the country after the revolution of 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title = REUTERS – Egypt picks banks for first international bond issue in 5 years – News – Aswat Masriya|url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=c19bb96e-9dfa-4fa9-ac50-a1ea331bded6|website = en.aswatmasriya.com|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> However, in early 2016 the [[Egyptian pound]] suffered from devaluation: in February when the pound was allowed to float briefly, its value reduced rapidly from 7.83 LE per US dollar to 8.95 LE per dollar, resulting in increased prices for everyday goods.<ref name=wapo /> ====Energy policy==== Considered its worst in decades, Egypt's energy crisis that helped inflame the protests against former president Mohamed Morsi<ref>{{Cite news|title =Looming Energy Crisis Again Confronts Egypt's Leaders|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/02/world/middleeast/looming-energy-crisis-again-confronts-egypts-leaders.html|newspaper =The New York Times|date = 2 May 2014|last1 = Kirkpatrick|first1 = David D.|last2 = Reed|first2 = Stanley}}</ref> continued to grow in Sisi's first months in office, challenging the new government. Due to shortage in energy production, growing consumption, terrorist attacks on Egypt's energy infrastructure, debts to foreign oil companies and the absence of the needed periodic maintenance of the power plants, the energy blackout rates in Egypt rose to unprecedented levels, with some parts of the country facing around six power cuts a day for up to two hours each.<ref>{{Cite news|title =Egypt suffers regular blackouts due to worst energy crisis in decades |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/20/egypt-blackouts-energy-crisis-power-cuts|newspaper =guardian|date = 20 August 2014|last1 = Kingsley|first1 = Patrick}}</ref> In August 2014, daily electricity consumption hit a record high of 27.7 gigawatts, 20% more power than stations could provide. The next month Egypt suffered a massive power outage that halted parts of the [[Cairo Metro]], took television stations off the air, and ground much of the country to a halt for several hours because of the sudden loss of 50 percent of the country's power generation.<ref>{{Cite web|title =Power outage hits Egypt subway, TV stations|url = http://bigstory.ap.org/article/power-outage-hits-cairo-subway-tv-stations|agency =Associated Press}}</ref> Sisi, on his part, said that the idler would be held accountable and promised to partially solve the economic crisis by August 2015, and that, beginning with December that year, the crisis will be dealt with entirely. Both long-term and short-term plans were introduced. In the short-term, Egypt signed a contract with [[General Electric]] (GE) to provide the country with 2.6 gigawatts by the summer of 2015. The first phase entered service in June and the final phase was expected to be completed by the end of August, making it one of the fastest energy transferring operations in the world according to GE.<ref>{{Cite web|title =Partnering to support Egypt's electricity needs |website = [[YouTube]]|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3lJg9UsT6g}}</ref> In June, Sisi's administration stated that for the first time in years, Egypt achieved a surplus in power generating capacity estimated at 2.9 gigawatts. In the long-term, Egypt paid more than $6 billion it owed to foreign oil companies between January and March.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> Energy contracts were placed as a top priority in the [[Egypt Economic Development Conference]] in March 2015, resulting in a $9&nbsp;billion contract with [[Siemens]] to supply gas and wind power plants to boost the country's electricity generation by 50 percent,<ref>{{Cite news|title =UPDATE 2-Siemens signs 8&nbsp;billion euro power deal with Egypt|url =https://www.reuters.com/article/siemens-egypt-power-idUSL5N0YP41Z20150603|work =Reuters|date =3 June 2015|access-date =30 June 2017|archive-date =18 November 2015|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20151118113945/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/03/siemens-egypt-power-idUSL5N0YP41Z20150603|url-status =live}}</ref> in addition to an energy deal worth $12&nbsp;billion ([[Egyptian pound|LE]]91.5&nbsp;billion) with [[BP]] to provide the country with an extra quarter of local energy production.<ref>{{Cite web|title =Egypt signs $12&nbsp;billion deal with British energy giant BP |url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=6e0ec2f3-ed92-46ca-9e68-9ad8e4be9e41|website =Aswat Masrya}}</ref> Sisi also stated that Egypt is not just solving its energy crisis, but rather seeking to become a "global hub for energy trading."<ref>{{Cite web|title =Egypt seeks becoming 'global hub for energy trading' – Sisi|url = http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=9b937b9c-dd8a-4c1e-9880-9c0aa0fc61c6|website =Aswat Masrya}}</ref> In Nicosia on 21 November 2017 he met [[President of Cyprus]] [[Nicos Anastasiades]] and the [[Prime Minister of Greece]] [[Alexis Tsipras]].<ref name="TRI">{{Cite web|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2017/11/21/energy-eu-relations-focus-tripartite-summit/|title=Energy, peace focus of Tripartite Summit (updated)|first1=Elias|last1=Hazou|date=21 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="DECL">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/D5A706294139C3B3C22581DF004E38D7?Opendocument&L=E|title=Joint Declaration following the 5th Cyprus – Egypt – Greece Trilateral Summit, PIO Cyprus, Nicosia, 21 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="VID">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQejIbsce74|title=Leaders Al Sisi Anastasiades Tsipras Trilateral Summit 21 November 2017|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> They encouraged and welcomed private sector initiatives of energy infrastructure projects, important for energy security of all three countries such as the [[EuroAfrica Interconnector]], interconnector between [[Greece|Greek]], [[Cyprus|Cypriot]], and [[Egypt]] [[power grid]]s via [[submarine power cable]] of length around {{convert|1619|km|adj=on}}.<ref name="DECL"/><ref name="VID"/> ====National projects==== In August 2014, President Sisi initiated a [[new Suez Canal]], a parallel channel running about one-third the length of the existing waterway,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/07/world/middleeast/suez-canal-channel-egypt.html|title=Suez Canal Upgrade May Not Ease Egypt's Economic Journey|date=6 August 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|last1=Kirkpatrick|first1=David D.}}</ref> which would double capacity of the existing canal from 49 to 97 ships a day. The new canal is expected to increase the [[Suez Canal]]'s revenues by 259% from current annual revenues of $5 billion. The project cost around 60 billion Egyptian-pounds ($8.4 billion) and was fast-tracked over a year. Sisi insisted funding come from Egyptian sources only.<ref name="Suezcanal">{{Cite web|url=https://ww.dailynewssegypt.com/2014/08/05/al-sisi-kicks-new-suez-canal-project-lays-tightened-completion-deadline/|title=Al-Sisi kicks off new Suez Canal project, lays down tightened completion deadline|date=5 August 2014|website=Daily News Egypt}}</ref> The new canal was inaugurated on schedule on 6 August 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Najarian|first1=Mesrop|title=Egypt Inaugurates Suez Canal Expansion|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/06/world/new-suez-canal-opens/|work=CNN|date=7 August 2015}}</ref> Sisi also introduced the [[Suez Canal Area Development Project]]<ref name="Suezdev">{{Cite web|url=https://www.egyptindependent.com/sisi-launches-suez-canal-development-project/|title=Sisi launches Suez Canal Development Project|date=5 August 2014}}</ref> which would involve development of five new [[Port|seaports]] in the three provinces surrounding the canal, a new industrial zone west of the [[Gulf of Suez]], economic zones around the waterway, seven new tunnels between Sinai and the Egyptian home land, building a new Ismailia city, huge fish farms, and a technology valley within [[Ismaïlia|Ismailia]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Has Ambitious Plan for Suez Canal Expansion|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/world/middleeast/egypt-has-ambitious-plan-for-suez-canal-expansion.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 August 2014|first1=Kareem|last1=Fahimaug|access-date=26 April 2016}}</ref> Sisi also started the [[National Roads Project]], which involves building a road network of more than 4,400 kilometres and uses 104 acres of land, promising that there are many development and reconstruction campaigns for Egypt to reduce the unemployment rate and increase the poor's income.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sisi says austerity measures 'a must'|url=http://thecairopost.com/news/117711/news/sisi-says-austerity-measures-a-must|date=7 July 2014|publisher=[[Cairo Post]]|access-date=26 April 2016}}</ref> An ambitious plan to build a new city near Cairo to serve as the country's new capital was announced during the [[Egypt Economic Development Conference]]. Located east of Cairo approximately midway between [[Cairo]] and [[Suez]], this [[proposed new capital of Egypt]] is yet to be formally named and is intended to relieve population pressures from the greater [[Cairo]] area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecapitalcairo.com/|title=The Capital Cairo|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322213802/http://www.thecapitalcairo.com/|archive-date=22 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> President Sisi has set a national goal of eliminating all unsafe slums in two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/sisi-calls-minister-conclude-slum-development-projects-two-years|title=Sisi calls on minister to conclude slum development projects in two years - Egypt Independent|date=12 May 2016|access-date=29 November 2016}}</ref> The first stage of the project was inaugurated on 30 May 2016 containing 11,000 housing units built at a cost of 1.56 billion EGP (177.8 Million USD). Funding was provided by the "Long Live Egypt" economic development fund in collaboration with civilian charitable organizations. The ultimate goal is the construction of 850,000 housing units with additional stages in processes funded in the same manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aswatmasriya.com/news/details/63178|title=السيسي: الانتهاء من تطوير العشوائيات خلال عامين|access-date=29 November 2016}}</ref> ====Opinion polls==== In August 2014, Egypt's Baseera, the Centre for Public Opinion Research, said in a poll result that only eight percent of the sample were unhappy with El-Sisi's performance and ten percent of the sample said they could not identify their position. The poll showed that 78 percent of the sample said they would vote for Sisi should the presidential elections be held again the next day while 11 percent said they would not. Eighty-nine percent said that there was improvement in the security situation after Sisi's taking office. Seventy-three percent said that fuel has become regularly available since Sisi's election. Meanwhile, 35 percent of respondents believed price controls had improved, while 32 percent believed that they have become worse. Twenty-nine percent of the respondents did not see any change, and three percent were undecided.<ref name="oppol">{{Cite web|url=http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/details/8718|title=82 pct of Egyptians happy with Sisi's performance: Baseera|website=en.aswatmasriya.com}}</ref> An April 2016 poll by Baseera after 22 months in office, indicated that Sisi garnered 79% approval rating while 8% were undecided and 13% disapprove of the president's performance. These numbers indicate a moderate drop from the last poll done in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseera.com.eg/pdf_poll_file_en/president%20approval%20rate-%20April2016-%20En.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=5 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615034422/http://www.baseera.com.eg/pdf_poll_file_en/president%20approval%20rate-%20April2016-%20En.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2016 }}</ref> In October 2016, Baseera conducted a poll that reports 68% of respondents claim to support Sisi,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.madamasr.com/en/2016/10/22/news/u/baseera-poll-shows-14-decline-in-sisis-popularity-due-to-price-increases/|title=Baseera poll: 14% decline in Sisi's popularity due to price increases|website=Mada Masr}}</ref> a 14% fall from the last poll created in August,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.madamasr.com/en/2016/08/15/news/u/baseera-poll-shows-decline-in-sisi-voter-base/|title=Baseera poll shows decline in Sisi voter base|website=Mada Masr}}</ref> and it included that the reason for the fall was the ongoing price hikes. According to an October 2016 survey fielded by Princeton University scholars found that "roughly 58% of respondents hold positive implicit attitudes toward Sisi."<ref name="Truex & Tavana 2019"/> ===Foreign policy=== ====Africa==== El-Sisi made an African tour, his first foreign visit since taking office a short visit to [[Algeria]], seeking support to counter Islamist militancy in North Africa.<ref name=sisitour1>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Sisi make Algeria his first foreign trip, security tops agenda|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-algeria-egypt-idUSKBN0F01PK20140625|work=Reuters|date=25 June 2014|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925104104/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/25/us-algeria-egypt-idUSKBN0F01PK20140625|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly before Sisi arrived in [[Malabo]], [[Equatorial Guinea]] to participate in the 23rd ordinary session of the [[African Union]] summit where he gave his speech blaming the AU for freezing Egypt's membership a year before. El-Sisi also announced the establishment of an Egyptian partnership agency for Africa's development.<ref name=sisiafri>{{Cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201406271457.html|title=Africa: Sisi Announces New Agency for Africa's Development}}</ref> He also concluded the tour with a few hours' visit to [[Sudan]].<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201406302106.html|title=Egypt: Sisi Returns to Cairo From Khartoum After African Tour}}</ref> The dispute between Egypt and [[Ethiopia]] over the [[Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam]] escalated in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Egypt reiterates 'red line' in Nile dam row with Ethiopia |url=https://thearabweekly.com/egypt-reiterates-red-line-nile-dam-row-ethiopia |work=The Arab Weekly |date=12 April 2021}}</ref> El-Sisi warned: "I am telling our brothers in Ethiopia, let's not reach the point where you touch a drop of Egypt's water, because all options are open."<ref>{{cite news |title=Egypt's el-Sisi warns 'all options open' after dam talks fail |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/7/egypt-warns-ethiopia-of-potential-for-conflict-over-blue-nile-dam |work=Al-Jazeera |date=7 April 2021}}</ref> ====Israel and Palestine==== {{further|Egypt–Israel relations|Egypt–Palestine relations}} [[File:Secretary Kerry, Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry Discuss Gaza Ceasefire With Egyptian President al-Sisi in Cairo.jpg|thumb|right|Secretary [[John Kerry|Kerry]] and Egyptian Foreign Minister [[Sameh Shoukry|Shoukry]] discuss Gaza ceasefire with el-Sisi in Cairo]] [[Egypt–Israel relations|Relations with Israel]] have improved significantly following [[Mohamed Morsi]]'s removal,<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/30/egypt-siding-israel-cost-gaza-dear Egypt's decision to side with Israel has cost Gaza dear]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. 30 July 2014</ref><ref>Diab, Khaled. "[http://www.haaretz.com/mobile/.premium-1.609595 An insane alliance: Israel and Egypt against Gaza.]" ''Haaretz''. 8 August 2014.</ref> with Sisi saying he talked to Israel's former prime minister, [[Benjamin Netanyahu]], "a lot".<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel and Saudi Arabia: The new frenemies|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21654070-shared-interests-have-brought-israel-and-arab-world-closer-now-new|access-date=14 June 2015|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=13 June 2015|location=CAIRO}}</ref> Sisi has been described by ''[[The Economist]]'' as "the most pro-Israeli Egyptian leader ever."<ref>{{cite news|author1=Anton La Guardia|title=Israel and Palestine|url=https://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21698439-israels-foes-have-weakened-palestinians-are-winning-battle-womb-israels|access-date=14 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=14 May 2016}}</ref> With continuous support for [[State of Palestine|Palestine]], the Sisi administration supports the [[two-state solution]] establishing a Palestinian state on lands that were occupied in 1967 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/egypt/2015/10/31/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.html|access-date=26 April 2016|date=31 October 2015|script-title=ar:السيسي: مصر لن تتأخر في الدفاع عن الدول العربية - العربية.نت الصفحة الرئيسية|publisher=[[Al Arabiya]]|trans-title=Sisi: Egypt will not be delayed in the defense of Arab states|language=ar}}</ref> with [[Eastern Jerusalem]] as its capital for the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]] achieving the Palestinians needs and granting Israel the security it wants.<ref>"[http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/sisi-reiterates-support-palestinian-statehood-slams-brotherhood-media-campaign Sisi reiterates support for Palestinian statehood, slams media campaign]". ''Egypt Independent''. 24 August 2014.</ref> The first months of Sisi's presidency witnessed the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict]]. Egypt also criticised the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] operation in the [[Gaza Strip]] as "oppressive policies of mass punishment rejecting 'the irresponsible Israeli escalation' in the occupied Palestinian territory, which comes in the form of 'excessive' and unnecessary use of military force leading to the death of innocent civilians." It also demanded Israel adopt self-restraint and to keep in mind that being an "occupation force", it has a legal and moral duty to protect civilian lives.<ref name="egyslamsis">{{cite news|title=Egypt slams Israel repressive operation|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/182785|publisher=Arutz Sheva|author=Ari Yashar|date=11 July 2014}}</ref> After Egypt proposed an initiative for a ceasefire later accepted by Israel and rejected by Hamas, the Sisi administration urged the world to intervene and stop the crisis when it stated that its ceasefire efforts have been met with "obstinacy and stubbornness".<ref name="egypturges">{{cite news|title=Egypt urges world powers to help end Gaza bloodshed|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/105973/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-urges-world-powers-to-help-end-Gaza-bloodshe.aspx|work=Al-Ahram Weekly|date=11 July 2014}}</ref> Egypt also hosted several meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian officials in Cairo to mediate a ceasefire. President Sisi also ordered the [[Egyptian Armed Forces]] to transport 500 tons of aid, consisting of food and medical supplies, to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. A statement was also released by the military saying that Egypt is pursuing its efforts to "stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip" under the president's supervision.<ref name="milaid">{{cite news|title=Egyptian govt to send 500 tons of aid to Gaza|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/106017/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-govt-to-send--tons-of-aid-to-Gaza.aspx|work=Al=Ahram Weekly|date=11 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="milaid2">{{cite news|title=Egypt, Jordan urge world to intervene in Gaza |url=http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/36975-140712-egypt-jordan-urge-world-to-intervene-in-gaza |publisher=i24news |date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712083910/http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/36975-140712-egypt-jordan-urge-world-to-intervene-in-gaza |archive-date=12 July 2014 }}</ref> The conflict ended with an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire on 26 August 2014.[[Image:Secretary Kerry Meets With King Abdullah, President Al-Sisi, President Abbas on Sidelines of Economic Conference in Egypt.jpg|left|thumb|U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas sit together at the Congress Center in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on 13 March 2015]] Egypt also hosted the international donor conference in Cairo aiming to raise 4&nbsp;billion (3.2&nbsp;billion euros) to reconstruct the Gaza Strip.<ref name="donconf">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Sisi tells Israel: 'Now is the time to end conflict for peace and prosperity'|url=http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/news/egypts-sisi-tells-israel-now-is-the-time-to-end-conflict-for-peace-and-prosperity_27199|publisher=yourmiddleeast.com|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=12 October 2014}}</ref> Sisi described the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict as a great chance to end the 66-year-old conflict calling on [[Israel]] to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians and saying "I call on the Israeli people and the government: now is the time to end the conflict&nbsp;... so that prosperity prevails, so that we all can have peace and security".<ref name="donconf" /> Sisi mainly blames the Israeli–Palestinian conflict for the extremism in the Middle East describing it as a "fertile environment for the growth and spread of extremism, violence and terrorism".<ref name="palconfs">{{cite news|title=Sisi Blames Israeli Lack of 'Peace' For Islamic State|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/184720|publisher=Arutz Sheva|date=3 September 2014}}</ref> Sisi also promised that Egypt would guarantee Palestine would not violate the peace treaty when reached expressing Egypt's willingness to deploy Egyptian observer forces in the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.<ref name="peatro">{{cite news|title=Al-Sisi's peace plan|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4596167,00.html|work=Ynetnews|author=Yaron Friedman|date=26 November 2014}}</ref> Sisi also stipulated that the [[Palestinian Authority]] would take power in the Gaza Strip in future peace plans and conditioned an easing of transit restrictions at the Rafah checkpoint on the presence of a force from the Palestinian Authority's Presidential Guard being stationed on the Gaza side of the crossing<ref name="rafahcros">{{cite news|title=Egypt: We'll open Rafah crossing only if Palestinian Authority troops guard it |work=Haaretz|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/.premium-1.613429|author=Amos Harel|date=1 September 2014}}</ref> as the Sisi administration considers [[Hamas]] an enemy, blaming them for the killing of 16 Egyptian soldiers in 2012 and over the alleged involvement in the prisons' storming in the wake of [[Egyptian Revolution of 2011]].<ref name="hamaen">{{cite news|title=Egyptian report blames Hamas for killing 16 soldiers in terror attack|work=The Times of Israel|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/state-linked-report-blames-hamas-for-killing-egyptsoldiers/|date=15 March 2013}}</ref> In January 2020, in response to the [[Trump peace plan]], the Sisi government issued a statement stating that it "recogniz[ed] the importance of considering the U.S. administration's initiative", that it "call[ed] on the two relevant parties to undertake a careful and thorough consideration of the U.S. vision to achieve peace" and supporting the "restor[ation] to the Palestinian people [of] their full legitimate rights through the establishment of a sovereign independent state in the Palestinian occupied territories in accordance with international legitimacy and resolutions".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mfa.gov.eg/English/MediaCenter/News/Pages/You-are-making.aspx |title=Press statement |publisher=Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=30 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130140742/https://www.mfa.gov.eg/English/MediaCenter/News/Pages/You-are-making.aspx |archive-date=30 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Egypt calls for dialogue over U.S. Mideast peace plan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-palestinians-plan-egypt/egypt-calls-for-dialogue-over-u-s-mideast-peace-plan-idUKKBN1ZR2M9 |publisher=Reuters |date=28 January 2020 |language=en |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128214352/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-palestinians-plan-egypt/egypt-calls-for-dialogue-over-u-s-mideast-peace-plan-idUKKBN1ZR2M9 |archive-date=28 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Egypt's stance was different to those of [[Jordan]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/%E2%80%98palestinian-state-east-jerusalem-its-capital-irreversible-jordanian-stance%E2%80%99|title='Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital irreversible Jordanian stance'|date=28 January 2020|website=Jordan Times}}</ref> [[Syria]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sana.sy/en/?p=183725|title=Syria strongly condemns, rejects so-called "deal of the century", renews standing by Palestinians' struggle|date=29 January 2020}}</ref> and [[Lebanon]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/arab-world-reacts-to-us-mideast-peace-plan/1718155|title=Arab world reacts to US Mideast peace plan|website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/268628|title=Diab Expresses Solidarity with 'Palestinian Cause'|website=Naharnet}}</ref> which all opposed the plan in January 2020. Sisi welcomed the Trump-brokered [[Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement]], saying he was gladdened by the suspension of Israel's [[Proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank|plans to annex]] parts of the occupied [[Palestinian territories]] in the [[West Bank]]. He also personally congratulated the Emirate of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince [[Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan]] on the deal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-emirates-egypt/egypts-sisi-welcomes-uae-israel-deal-and-halt-to-annexation-idUKKCN2592FJ|title=Egypt's Sisi welcomes UAE-Israel deal, halt to annexation of Palestinian lands|date=13 August 2020|work=Reuters|first=Aidan|last=Lewis}}</ref> ====Turkey==== {{further|Egypt–Turkey relations}} Relations between Egypt and Turkey deteriorated significantly after Morsi's ousting. [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]], then Prime Minister, was the only leader to call Morsi's ouster a coup, calling for the immediate release of Morsi and insisting he is the legitimate president of Egypt. Turkish Minister for European Affairs Egemen Bagis also called for the UN Security Council to "take action" in Egypt.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Egypt-Turkey ties deteriorate on Mursi ouster – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT|url = http://www.aawsat.net/2013/07/article55310023/egypt-turkey-ties-deteriorate-on-mursi-ouster|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> Erdoğan was said not to recognise Sisi as president of Egypt and called him an "illegitimate tyrant"<ref name="turkey">"[https://news.yahoo.com/turkey-pm-erdogan-slams-egypts-illegitimate-tyrant-sisi-130905463.html Turkey PM slams Egypt's 'illegitimate tyrant' Sisi]". Yahoo News. 18 July 2014.</ref> in response to the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict and alleged Egyptian support for Israel in its war against [[Hamas]].<ref>"[http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/31/world/meast/israel-gaza-region/ This time, Gaza fighting is 'proxy war' for entire Mideast]". CNN. 1 August 2014.</ref><ref>"[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/world/middleeast/fighting-political-islam-arab-states-find-themselves-allied-with-israel.html?_r=0 Arab Leaders, Viewing Hamas as Worse Than Israel, Stay Silent]". ''The New York Times''. 30 July 2014.</ref> In response to Erdoğan's remarks, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry warned that the [[Egypt–Turkey relations]]hip would be worsened<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/egypt-warns-turkey-of-worsening-relations-1406396932 |title=Cairo Warns Ankara of Worsening Relations |work=Wall Street Journal|date=26 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726200409/http://online.wsj.com/articles/egypt-warns-turkey-of-worsening-relations-1406396932 |archive-date=26 July 2014}}</ref> while Sisi refused to respond. Egypt's foreign ministry accused Erdogan of provocation and interfering in Egypt's internal affairs. In November 2013, Egypt told the Turkish ambassador to leave the country, a day after Erdoğan called for Morsi to be freed. Relations with Ankara were also lowered to chargé d'affaires.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Egypt expels Turkish ambassador – BBC News|work = BBC News|date = 23 November 2013|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-25066115|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> The Egyptian foreign ministry also said that Egypt has cancelled joint naval drills with Turkey over Turkey's interference in Egypt's domestic affairs.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Egypt, Turkey cancel navy drills as tensions rise|website = [[Fox News]]|date = 25 March 2015|url = http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08/16/egypt-turkey-cancel-navy-drills-as-tensions-rise/|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> In September 2014, Egypt's foreign minister cancelled a meeting with now-President Erdoğan requested by Turkey after Erdoğan made a speech critical of Egypt in the UN General Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Egypt cancels Erdoğan meeting over coup comments; Turkey denies meeting ever scheduled – Politics – Egypt – Ahram Online|url = http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/111642/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-cancels-Erdogan-meeting-over-coup-comments;-.aspx|website = english.ahram.org.eg|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> An advisor to the Turkish president has denied that the countries' leaders were planning to meet. However, later Egypt's foreign ministry handed out a scanned document of Turkey's meeting proposal to the media and was published by Egypt's Youm7 newspaper.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.youm7.com/story/2014/9/25/ننشر_صورة_من_طلب_تركيا_لقاء_وزير_الخارجية_سامح_شكرى/1881217|title = ننشر صورة من طلب "تركيا" لقاء وزير الخارجية سامح شكرى|website = Youm7}}</ref> Sisi's administration also decided to cancel the "[[Roll-on/roll-off]]" agreement with Turkey, blocking Turkey from transporting Turkish containers to the Gulf via Egyptian ports.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Egypt decides not to renew trade agreement with Turkey {{!}} Egypt Independent|date = 27 October 2014|url = http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-decides-not-renew-trade-agreement-turkey|access-date = 2 June 2015}}</ref> In 2014, an intense campaign started by Egypt and Saudi Arabia against Turkey made it lose its predicted easy victory of membership in the [[United Nations Security Council]].<ref>{{Cite web|title =Turkey Loses U.N. Security Council Seat in Huge Upset|url = http://www.newsweek.com/venezuela-malaysia-angola-new-zealand-win-un-council-seats-277962|website =Newsweek|date = 16 October 2014|access-date = 16 October 2014}}</ref> However, in March 2021, Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey was "keen on strengthening relations with Egypt."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://egyptindependent.com/erdogan-turkey-keen-to-strengthen-relations-with-egypt/|title=Erdogan: Turkey keen to strengthen relations with Egypt|date=12 March 2021}}</ref> Egypt appreciated Turkey's comments,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://egyptindependent.com/egypt-welcomes-turkeys-good-gesture-after-it-asks-egyptian-opposition-channels-to-reduce-criticism/|title = Egypt welcomes Turkey's 'good gesture' after it asks Egyptian opposition channels to reduce criticism|date = 19 March 2021}}</ref> but said that Turkey must turn the chapter and start taking action.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://egyptindependent.com/egypt-we-await-deeds-not-words-from-turkey/|title=Egypt: We await deeds, not words from Turkey|date=15 March 2021}}</ref> Turkey has asked its Muslim Brotherhood channels to calm criticism of Egypt and its president, or even completely stop it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1828181/media|title = Turkey orders Muslim Brotherhood TV channels to stop criticizing Egypt: Reports|date = 19 March 2021}}</ref> ====Arab world==== {{further|Egypt–Saudi Arabia relations|Egypt–Syria relations|Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen}} {{Expand section|date=September 2015}} [[File:Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Melania Trump, and Donald Trump, May 2017.jpg|thumb|Sisi, King [[Salman of Saudi Arabia]] and U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] at the [[2017 Riyadh summit]] in Saudi Arabia]] [[Al Jazeera]] reported in June 2014: "[[Saudi Arabia]], the world's top oil exporter, and its wealthy Gulf Arab partners [[Kuwait]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]] have given more than $20&nbsp;billion to help Egypt since Morsi's overthrow, Sisi said last month, and are likely to pledge more."<ref>"[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/saudi-king-abdullah-visits-egypt-sisi-2014620183031132590.html Saudi King Abdullah visits Egypt's Sisi]". Al Jazeera. 20 June 2014.</ref> In 2015, Egypt participated in the Saudi Arabian-led [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|military intervention]] in Yemen.<ref>"[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0N50TF20150414 Egypt and Saudi Arabia discuss maneuvers as Yemen battles rage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001092027/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/14/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0N50TF20150414 |date=1 October 2015 }}". Reuters. 14 April 2015.</ref> In April 2016, King [[Salman of Saudi Arabia]] made a five-day visit to Egypt, during which the two countries signed economic agreements worth approximately $25 billion and also made an agreement to "return" [[Tiran Island|Tiran]] and [[Sanafir Island|Sanafir]], two Egyptian-administered islands in the [[Gulf of Aqaba]], to Saudi control. The announcement of the transfer of the islands provoked a backlash in both social media and traditional media, including outlets which had been firmly pro-Sisi.<ref name=wapo>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/04/25/why-two-islands-may-be-more-important-to-egyptian-regime-stability-than-billions-in-persian-gulf-aid/ |title=Why two islands may be more important to Egyptian regime stability than billions in Gulf aid |last1=Brand |first1=Laurie|author-link=Laurie Brand |last2=Stacher |first2=Joshua |author-link2=Joshua Stacher |date=25 April 2016 |website=[[washingtonpost.com]]|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref> In January 2017, an Egyptian court gave its final ruling rejecting the controversial government transfer of the two islands to Saudi Arabia. The Supreme Constitutional Court froze that ruling and allowed Sisi to ratify the deal with Saudi Arabia, making these two islands included in [[Mohammed Bin Salman]]'s [[NEOM]] megacity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/10/25/saudi-arabia-futuristic-robot-city-includes-former-egypt-islands|title=Saudi Arabia futuristic robot city includes former Egypt islands|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030112535/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/10/25/saudi-arabia-futuristic-robot-city-includes-former-egypt-islands|archive-date=30 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/saudi-arabia-announces-first-project-tiran-sanafir/|title=Saudi Arabia announces first project on Tiran and Sanafir|date=25 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.madamasr.com/en/2017/06/24/news/u/sisi-ratifies-tiran-and-sanafir-agreement-cedes-islands-to-saudi-arabia/|title=Sisi ratifies Tiran and Sanafir agreement, cedes islands to Saudi Arabia|website=Mada Masr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/16/egyptian-court-rejects-transfer-red-sea-islands-saudi-arabia-tiran-sanafir|title=Egyptian court rejects plan to transfer Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=16 January 2017}}</ref> In November 2016, Sisi said that he supported the presidency of [[Bashar al-Assad]] in Syria for the sake of stability.<ref name="kessleregyptpickssidesinthe">{{cite news|last1=Kessler|first1=Oren|author-link=Oren Kessler|title=Egypt Picks Sides in the Syrian War: How Sisi Learned to Love Assad|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/syria/2017-02-12/egypt-picks-sides-syrian-war?cid=nlc-fatoday-20170213&sp_mid=53412954&sp_rid=dmljdG9yLnN0ZXBpZW5AZ21haWwuY29tS0|access-date=14 February 2017|work=Foreign Affairs|date=12 February 2017|quote=Cairo's priority "is to support national armies, for example in Libya," he told Portuguese state television. "The same with Syria and Iraq." The host then pressed Sisi over whether he meant the Syrian government. "Yes," Sisi replied plainly. It was the first time that Egypt, a longtime U.S. ally, openly acknowledged that it sides with the Syrian government.}} {{subscription required|via=Foreign Affairs}}</ref> In a February 2017 article in ''[[Foreign Affairs]]'', [[Oren Kessler]], the Deputy Director for Research at the [[Foundation for Defense of Democracies]], suggests there are three reasons for Sisi's pro-Assad position: Egypt's common enemies with Syria (ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood) as opposed to Saudi Arabia's antagonism with Iran; Egypt and Syria's shared opposition to the policies of President Erdoğan of Turkey; and Egypt's growing relations with Russia, a close ally of Syria.<ref name="kessleregyptpickssidesinthe"/> Kessler concludes that the sentiment of "revolution fatigue" amplifies Sisi's support for Assad.<ref name="kessleregyptpickssidesinthe"/> ====Russia==== {{further|Egypt–Russia relations}} [[File:Sisi and Putin Visit to Moskava 7.jpg|thumb|left|President Sisi with President [[Vladimir Putin]], August 2014]] Both military and political relations between Egypt and Russia witnessed significant improvements after Morsi's overthrow coinciding with the deterioration in relations between the United States and Egypt, once considered its important ally in the Middle East.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} Unlike the US, Russia supported Sisi's actions from the start, including his presidential bid.<ref name="news.yahoo.com"/> Russia reportedly offered Egypt a huge military weapons deal after the US had suspended some military aid and postponed weapons delivery to Egypt. The Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] was the first to congratulate Sisi on his inauguration. Sisi made Russia his first destination abroad as defense minister after being promoted to the rank of Field Marshal where he met with the Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] and the Russian Minister of Defense General [[Sergey Shoygu]] to negotiate an arms deal with Russia instead of the United States. [[File:Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.jpeg|thumb|right|Sisi and [[Vladimir Putin]] meeting on 10 February 2015]] Sisi also visited Russia as an Egyptian President at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit was described by Putin as reflective of "the special nature" of the relation between the two countries. Sisi was welcomed by General [[Sergey Shoygu]] who showed him different Russian-made military vehicles and weapons in the airport. Moscow's Vedemosti business daily reported that Russia and Egypt are nearing a $3&nbsp;billion (2.2&nbsp;billion euro) weapons agreement.<ref name="ahram">{{Cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/108273/Egypt/0/ElSisi,-Putin-stress-close-ties,-near-arms-deal-.aspx|title=El-Sisi, Putin stress close ties, near arms deal - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online|website=english.ahram.org.eg}}</ref> President Putin also accompanied him to visit [[Russian cruiser Moskva|the Russian cruiser Moskva]] before they gave a joint televised statement. Sisi announced in his statement that there was a new plan of "renewing and developing" giant projects established by the former [[Soviet Union]]. President Putin announced that an agreement has been reached to increase Egypt's supply of agricultural goods to Russia by 30 percent while his country will provide Egypt with 5 to 5.5&nbsp;million tons of wheat. In addition, a free trade zone was also being discussed.<ref name="ahram" /> On 11 December 2017, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Cairo, the two countries signed agreements in which Russia would build Egypt's first [[nuclear reactor]], and supply [[nuclear fuel]] for the same. It was also agreed that a "Russian Industrial Zone" would be built along the [[Suez Canal]], explained by Putin as being "the biggest regional center for producing Russian products onto the markets of the Middle-East and [[North Africa]]."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtoP7hw_deU Putin and Egypt's Sisi make joint statement after meeting in Cairo]: [[RT (TV network)|RT]] (11 December 2017)</ref> ====United States==== {{further|Egypt–United States relations}} [[File:SD meets with Egypt's President 170405-D-SV709-190 (33705561992).jpg|thumb|US Defense Secretary [[Jim Mattis]] meets with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during a meeting held at [[the Pentagon]] in Washington.]] Relations between Egypt and the United States witnessed tensions after the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi.<ref name="HaretzSisi">{{Cite web|url=https://www.egyptindependent.com/haaretz-sisi-taking-revenge-us-interference/|title=Haaretz: Sisi taking revenge on US for 'interference'|date=25 August 2014}}</ref> The United States strongly condemned Sisi's administration on several occasions<ref name="Aswaat">{{Cite web|url=http://en.aswatmasriya.com/|title=Aswat Masriya - Home|website=en.aswatmasriya.com}}</ref> before deciding to delay selling four [[F-16]] fighter jets,<ref name="nationgen">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/nationalsecurity/no-more-fighter-jets-for-egypt-but-we-re-still-not-calling-it-a-coup-20130724|title=No More Fighter Jets for Egypt, but We're Still Not Calling It a Coup}}</ref> [[Apache helicopter|Apaches]] and [[Abrams tank|Abrams]]' kits to Egypt. The US also cancelled the [[Operation Bright Star|Bright Star]] joint military exercise with the [[Egyptian Armed Forces]].<ref name="brightst">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10246508/Barack-Obama-cancels-Operation-Bright-Star.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10246508/Barack-Obama-cancels-Operation-Bright-Star.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Barack Obama cancels Operation Bright Star|first1=David|last1=Lawler|date=15 August 2013|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Sisi's administration purportedly showed unusual actions in dealing with the US, calling on President [[Barack Obama]]'s administration to exercise restraint in dealing with "racially charged" [[2014 Ferguson unrest|unrest]] in Ferguson, echoing language the US used to caution Egypt previously as it cracked down on Islamist protesters.<ref name="HaretzSisi" /> Egyptian security checked US Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] and his top aides through a stationary metal detector as well as with a handheld wand before meeting with el-Sisi in what was considered an unusual screening for a senior State Department official.<ref name="kerrychecked">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kerry-security-check-egypt_n_5608923|title=Kerry Checked By Security Before Meeting Egypt's President|date=22 July 2014|website=HuffPost}}</ref> Sisi also skipped Obama's invitation to the American-African summit.<ref name="obamasummit">{{Cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/107529/Egypt/Politics-/--Egypts-ElSisi-to-skip-Obamas-Africa-summit.aspx|title=Egypt's El-Sisi to skip Obama's Africa summit - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online|website=english.ahram.org.eg}}</ref> [[File:President Donald Trump & President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, April 3, 2017.jpg|thumb|US President Donald Trump welcomes el-Sisi, Monday, 3 April 2017]] Despite evidence of tensions, a 2014 news story, [[BBC]] reported: "The US has revealed it has released $575m in [[United States foreign aid|military aid]] to Egypt that had been frozen since the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi last year."<ref>"[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27961933 US unlocks military aid to Egypt, backing President Sisi]". BBC News. 22 June 2014.</ref> In September 2014 Sisi visited the US to address the UN General assembly in New York. An extensive media campaign produced billboards which were distributed all over New York City, welcoming the Egyptian president.<ref>{{cite web|last1=chronicle.fanack.com|title=Egyptian President's Growing International Legitimacy|url=https://chronicle.fanack.com/specials/international-affairs/egyptian-presidents-growing-international-legitimacy/|website=fanack.com|access-date=27 July 2015}}</ref> In August 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry was in Cairo for a "U.S.-Egypt strategic dialogue".<ref>"[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/kerry-egypt-strategic-dialogue-aje-150802163734101.html US resumes strategic dialogue with Egypt]". [[Al Jazeera]]. 2 August 2015.</ref> Following [[2016 United States presidential election|the election]] of [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Donald Trump]] as the [[President of the United States]], the two countries looked to improve the [[Egypt–United States relations|Egyptian-American relations]]. El-Sisi and Trump had met during the opening of the [[seventy-first session of the United Nations General Assembly]] in September 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Sisi congratulates US President elect Donald Trump|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/248648/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-congratulates-US-President-elect-Donal.aspx|publisher=[[Ahram Online]]|date=9 November 2016|access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> The absence of Egypt in President Trump's [[Executive Order 13769|travel ban]] towards seven Muslim countries was noted in Washington, although the Congress has voiced human rights concerns over the handling of dissidents.<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis: Trump presidency heralds new era of US-Egypt ties|url=http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Analysis-Trump-presidency-heralds-new-era-of-US-Egypt-ties-481037|publisher=Jerusalem post|agency=Reuters|date=10 February 2017|access-date=10 February 2017}}</ref> On 22 March 2017, it was reported that el-Sisi would be traveling to Washington to meet with Trump on 3 April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/egyptian-president-sisi-to-visit-trump-in-april-1490207575|title=Egyptian President el-Sisi to Visit Trump in April|url-access=subscription|publisher=Wall Street Journal|date=22 March 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}}</ref> President Trump praised el-Sisi, saying that el-Sisi had "done a tremendous job under trying circumstance".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-praises-egypt-president-abdel-fattah-al-sisi-safety-visit-cairo-saudi-arabia-meeting-a7747171.html|title=Donald Trump praises Egypt President al-Sisi and plans trip to Cairo|work=The Independent|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}}</ref> On 26 August 2019, Trump met with el-Sisi, along with other global leaders, in the [[45th G7 summit]] in [[Biarritz]], [[France]]. Trump continued his earlier praise of el-Sisi, saying that "Egypt has made tremendous progress under a great leader's leadership".<ref>{{cite web |title=Remarks Prior to a Meeting With President Abdelfattah Said Elsisi of Egypt and an Exchange With Reporters in Biarritz, France |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-prior-meeting-with-president-abdelfattah-said-elsisi-egypt-and-exchange-with-1 |website=The American Presidency Project }}</ref> El-Sisi criticized President Donald Trump's decision to [[United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel|recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital]]. According to el-Sisi, the Trump administration's decision "would undermine the chances of peace in the Middle East."<ref>{{cite news |title=How The World Is Reacting To Trump Recognizing Jerusalem As Israel's Capital |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/12/06/568748383/how-is-the-world-reacting-to-u-s-plan-to-recognize-jerusalem-as-israeli-capital?t=1564929890877 |work=National Public Radio (NPR) |date=6 December 2017}}</ref> El-Sisi was praised by Trump.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/28218/egypt-s-sisi-is-a-strong-confident-and-vulnerable-autocrat|title=Egypt's Sisi Is a Strong, Confident—and Vulnerable—Autocrat|last1=Ghitis|first1=Frida|date=26 September 2019|website=World Politics Review|url-access=subscription}}</ref> [[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.jpg|thumb|Narendra Modi with el-Sisi]] ===Political opposition=== In late 2019, there were numerous direct calls for el-Sisi to immediately resign.<ref name="MEE_Sisi_new_palace" /><ref name="MadaMasr_earlySisi_proposal" /> In September 2019, building contractor [[Mohamed Ali (Egyptian contractor)|Mohamed Ali]], in exile in Spain, published videos online that directly criticised el-Sisi, claiming corruption and ineffectiveness. Ali's videos sparked off the [[2019 Egyptian protests#Late September 2019 protests|September 2019 Egyptian protests]], which el-Sisi responded to in several speeches.<ref name="MEE_Sisi_new_palace" /> In response to the street protests calling for el-Sisi to resign, 4300 protestors and non-protestors were arrested.<ref name="EuroParl_2019_2880" /> In November 2019, member of the [[House of Representatives (Egypt)|House of Representatives]] [[Ahmed Tantawi]] submitted a formal parliamentary proposal and a [[YouTube]] video online for el-Sisi to finish his term in 2022 rather than 2024, and for consultation on institutional reforms to take place, in order to allow change to take place by political methods.<ref name="MadaMasr_earlySisi_proposal" /> On 28 December 2019, Mohamed Ali released the "[[Mohamed Ali (Egyptian contractor)#Egyptian Consensus Document|Egyptian Consensus Document]]" with a list of four key principles and four key actions for replacing el-Sisi's system of government, which Ali claimed represented the consensus of a wide range of the Egyptian opposition.<ref name="MEO_ENAG_Libya_MohAli" /> The following day, the [[Egyptian National Action Group]] (ENAG) including [[Ayman Nour]] as spokesperson<ref name="MEE_ENAG_Democ_vs_chaos" /> was launched, with a similar claim of representing the consensus of a broad array of the Egyptian opposition ("centrists, liberals, leftists [and] Islamists") with a consensus program for replacing el-Sisi's governmental system.<ref name="MEO_ENAG_Libya_MohAli" /><ref name="MEM_ENAG_launched" /> ==Personal life and family== Unlike Hosni Mubarak, el-Sisi is protective of the privacy of his family,<ref name=sisipl>{{cite news|title=The Quiet General|url=http://mag.newsweek.com/2013/08/16/general-al-sisi-the-man-who-now-runs-egypt.html|work=Newsweek|date=16 August 2013}}</ref> even though two of his sons hold positions in the government.<ref name="AJE_Hazem_Ghonim" /><ref name="MEE_Sisi_new_palace" /> He is [[Cousin marriage in the Middle East|married to his cousin]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Hameed|first1=Ashraf|title=Egypt's next first lady? Meet Mrs. Sisi and Mrs. Sabbahi|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2014/05/12/Who-will-be-Egypt-s-next-first-lady-.html|access-date=3 April 2018|work=al-Arabiya|date=12 May 2014}}</ref> [[Entissar Amer]], and is the father of three sons and one daughter. One of his sons is married to the daughter of former Egyptian army chief [[Mahmoud Hegazy]].<ref name="veconomist" >{{cite news|title=Jihadists continue to torment Egypt|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21730957-attack-desert-undermines-confidence-government-jihadists-continue|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=2 November 2017}}</ref> El-Sisi comes from a religious family and frequently quotes [[Quranic]] verses during informal conversations;<ref name=sisipl2>{{cite news|title=Sisi's Islamist Agenda for Egypt|url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/139605/robert-springborg/sisis-islamist-agenda-for-egypt|work=Foreign Affairs|date=28 July 2013|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> El-Sisi's wife wears the Islamic [[hijab]], though usually a casual kind that covers the hair but not the neck. El-Sisi is known to be quiet and is often called ''the Quiet General''. Even as a young man he was often called "General Sisi" due to his perceived orderly demeanor.<ref name=sisipl/> According to [[Sherifa Zuhur]], a professor at the War College, when el-Sisi attended, many American officers expressed doubts that Muslims could be democratic. El-Sisi disputed this opinion; he and others were critical of decisions made in Iraq and Libya. El-Sisi wrote his term paper at the War College on democracy and its applications in the Middle East. In his paper, he argues in favour of democracy based on its past successes.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.meforum.org/4802/what-egypt-president-sisi-really-thinks|title=What Egypt's President Sisi Really Thinks|last1=Pipes|first1=Daniel|date=Fall 2014|journal=Middle East Quarterly}}</ref> Zuhur also had the impression that el-Sisi supported a gradual move towards pluralism.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ambitious men in uniform|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21582564-generals-who-deposed-muslim-brotherhood-are-keener-power-they-let|newspaper=The Economist|date=3 August 2014|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> While at the War College, Sisi sometimes led Friday prayers at the local mosque.<ref name="veconomist2" >{{cite news|title=Egypt's path from autocracy to revolution—and back again|url=https://www.economist.com/books-and-arts/2018/08/11/egypts-path-from-autocracy-to-revolution-and-back-again|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=9 August 2018}}</ref> Sisi described himself as "a doctor whose diagnoses are sought after by top philosophers and prominent world leaders."<ref name="middleeasteye.net">{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/four-traits-sisi-hitler-and-mussolini-have-common|title=The four traits Sisi, Hitler and Mussolini have in common|website=Middle East Eye}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/blog/2015/6/8/sisi-declares-himself-egypts-god-send|title=Sisi declares himself Egypt's God-send|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614003241/http://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/blog/2015/6/8/sisi-declares-himself-egypts-god-send|archive-date=14 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Recognition== ===Military=== {| class="wikitable" align="right" style="text-align:center;" |colspan="4" |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Sinai_Libration.jpg|106px}}&nbsp;{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Militarycourage.jpg|106px}} |- |colspan="4" |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Militaryduty.jpg|106px}}&nbsp;{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Militaryduty.jpg|106px}}&nbsp;{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Trainingdeco.jpg|106px}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Trainingdeco.jpg|width=106px}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=DestinServ.jpg|width=106px}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Longevandexemp.jpg|width=106px}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=OctWar-SilverJubileeOct.jpg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Militarydec5.jpg|width=106px}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Kuwaitlibr.jpg|width=106px}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Training Decoration.jpg|width=106px}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Goldenjubile23.jpg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Medaldec.jpg|width=106px}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=OctWar-SilverJubileeOct.jpg|width=106px}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Goldenjubile23.jpg|width=106px}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Sinai_Libration.jpg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Militarydec4.jpg|width=106px}} |[[File:Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) ribbon.svg|106px]] |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Militarydec2.jpg|width=106px}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=RepublicDec.jpg|width=106}} |} *30 June 2013 Revolution Medal<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *25 January 2011 Revolution Medal<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Silver Jubilee of Liberation of Sinai Medal (2007)<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Golden Jubilee of 23 July 1952 Revolution (2002)<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Silver Jubilee of October War 1973 Medal (1998)<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Longevity and Exemplary Service Medal<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *October War 1973 Medal (1973)<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *[[Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)|Kuwait Liberation Medal]]<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Kuwait Liberation Medal (Egypt) *Liberation of Sinai Decoration (1982)<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Distinguished Service Decoration<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Military Duty Decoration, Second Class<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Military Duty Decoration, First Class<ref name="MilitaryEducation"/> *Military Courage Decoration *Republic's Military Decoration *Training Decoration *Army Day Decoration ===Civil=== *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: Collar of the [[Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud]] *{{flag|Belarus}}: Medal of the [[Order of the Friendship of Peoples (Belarus)]] *{{flag|Bahrain}}: Collar of the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa *{{flag|Cyprus}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of Makarios III]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004104124/https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/2730774}}</ref> * {{flag|France}}: Grand Cross [[Legion of Honour]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/monde/egypte/le-president-egyptien-sissi-a-recu-la-grand-croix-de-la-legion-d-honneur-lors-de-sa-visite-en-france-7080884?fbclid=IwAR22SYEgJPXNqKFOa6zA6dYpw6pDAW1IdGEt2hCyxwg5ggnHiduZIQwDp4I|title=Le président égyptien Sissi a reçu la grand-croix de la Légion d’honneur lors de sa visite en France}}</ref> *{{flag|Germany}}: Medal of the Order of St. George from [[Semperoper]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-opera-ball-in-trouble-for-honoring-egyptian-president/a-52193526|title=German opera ball in trouble for honoring Egyptian president|website=DW|date=30 January 2020}}</ref> (later withdrawn)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/guest-commentary-abdel-fattah-el-sissi-no-beacon-of-hope-no-bridge-builder/a-52297954|title=Guest commentary: Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi — No beacon of hope, no bridge builder|website=DW|date=7 February 2020}}</ref> * {{flag|Greece}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Redeemer]] * {{flag|Guinea}}: Grand Cross [[National Order of Merit (Guinea)]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://apanews.net/fr/news/conakry-le-president-egyptien-decore-du-grand-cordon-de-lordre-national-de-merite-de-la-republique-de-guinee|title=Le Président égyptien décoré du Grand Cordon de l'Ordre National de Mérite de la République de Guinée}}</ref> *{{flag|Hungary}}: Honorary PhD from [[National University of Public Service]] * {{flag| Ivory Coast}}: Grand Cross [[National Order of the Ivory Coast]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.abidjan.net/articles/655632/abdel-fattah-al-sissi-fait-grand-croix-de-lordre-national-de-cote-divoire|title=Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi fait Grand-croix de l’ordre national de Côte d’Ivoire}}</ref> *{{flag|Kuwait}}: Collar of the [[Order of Mubarak the Great]] *{{flag|Portugal}}: Grand Collar of the [[Order of Prince Henry]] *{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}: Collar of the [[Order of Zayed]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://khaleejtimes.com/news/government/sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-bestows-order-of-zayed-on-egypt-president|title=Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bestows 'Order of Zayed' on Egypt president|publisher=Khaleeji Times|date=14 November 2019}}</ref> *{{flag|Sudan}}: Collar of the National Order of Sudan *Medal of Arab tourism ==Publications== Written by Sisi when he was a Brigadier General: *"[https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/1173610/sisi.pdf Democracy in the Middle East]" ([https://www.webcitation.org/6hBFC5CA9?url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501020727/https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/1173610/sisi.pdf Archive]). [[U.S. Army War College]] (USAWC) Strategy Research Project. Advised by Colonel Stephen J. Gerras.<!--Mentioned in: "[https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/05/24/world/middleeast/sisi-doc.html?_r=0 Sisi's Thesis on Democracy in the Middle East]." ''[[The New York Times]]''. 24 May 2014.--> - Obtained through the [[Freedom of Information Act (United States)|U.S. Freedom of Information Act]] (FOIA) by [[Judicial Watch]] ==See also== *[[Abd Al-Halim Abu-Ghazala]] *[[Gamal Abdel Nasser]] *[[Post-coup unrest in Egypt (2013–2014)]] ==Notes== {{noteslist}} ==References== {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="AJE_Hazem_Ghonim">{{cite news | title= Egypt activist Wael Ghonim's brother ordered to remain in custody | date= 22 September 2019 | newspaper= [[Al Jazeera English]] | url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/egypt-activist-wael-ghonim-brother-ordered-remain-custody-190922115155447.html |access-date=20 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191019225425/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/egypt-activist-wael-ghonim-brother-ordered-remain-custody-190922115155447.html |archive-date= 19 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="MEE_Sisi_new_palace">{{cite news | last1= Ayesh | first1=Mohammad | title= Mohamed Ali: Sisi and family toured new palace as Cairo burned | date= 16 October 2019 | newspaper= [[Middle East Eye]] | url= https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mohamed-ali-sisi-family-wife-dynasty-palaces |access-date=20 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191019223004/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mohamed-ali-sisi-family-wife-dynasty-palaces |archive-date= 19 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="EuroParl_2019_2880">{{cite web | title =European Parliament resolution on Egypt | id=2019/2880(RSP) | website= [[European Parliament]] |date =23 October 2019 | url = https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2019-0138_EN.html | access-date = 25 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191025193022/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2019-0138_EN.html |archive-date= 25 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="MadaMasr_earlySisi_proposal">{{cite news | title= MP referred to ethics committee over reform initiative calling for Sisi's early departure from office |trans-title = <!-- trans-title is the English translation --> | date= 9 November 2019 |newspaper= [[Mada Masr]] | url= https://madamasr.com/en/2019/11/09/feature/politics/mp-referred-to-ethics-committee-for-proposing-reform-initiative-calling-for-sisis-early-departure-from-office/ |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191110010718/https://madamasr.com/en/2019/11/09/feature/politics/mp-referred-to-ethics-committee-for-proposing-reform-initiative-calling-for-sisis-early-departure-from-office/ |archive-date= 10 November 2019 |url-status=live <!-- live|dead|unfit|usurped -->}}</ref> <ref name="MEM_ENAG_launched">{{cite news | title= Egypt: Opponents of Sisi launch anti-regime group | date= 31 December 2019 |newspaper= [[Middle East Monitor]] | url= https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191231-egypt-opponents-of-sisi-launch-anti-regime-group/ |access-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191231133224/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191231-egypt-opponents-of-sisi-launch-anti-regime-group/ |archive-date= 31 December 2019 |url-status=live <!-- live|dead|unfit|usurped --> |url-access = <!-- (subscription/registration/limited) default=free -->}}</ref> <ref name="MEO_ENAG_Libya_MohAli">{{cite news | title=Egypt: National Action Group condemns Sisi's plunging of the army in battles against the Libya's GNA | date=3 January 2020 |newspaper=[[Middle East Observer]] | url=https://www.middleeastobserver.org/2020/01/03/egypt-national-action-group-condemns-sisis-plunging-of-the-army-in-battles-against-the-libyas-gna/ |access-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200123232352/https://www.middleeastobserver.org/2020/01/03/egypt-national-action-group-condemns-sisis-plunging-of-the-army-in-battles-against-the-libyas-gna/ |archive-date=23 January 2020 |url-status=live <!-- live|dead|unfit|usurped --> |url-access = <!-- (subscription/registration/limited) default=free -->}}</ref> <ref name="MEE_ENAG_Democ_vs_chaos">{{cite news | last1= Nour | first1=Ayman |author1-link=Ayman Nour | title= Egypt's choice is clear: Democracy - or chaos under Sisi | date= 23 January 2020 |newspaper= [[Middle East Eye]] | url= https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/repression-corruption-and-poverty-egypt-has-recipe-new-uprising |access-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20200123232206/https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/repression-corruption-and-poverty-egypt-has-recipe-new-uprising |archive-date= 23 January 2020 |url-status=live <!-- live|dead|unfit|usurped --> |url-access = <!-- (subscription/registration/limited) default=free -->}}</ref> }} ==Further reading== *{{cite magazine |author=Hessler, Peter |date=2 January 2017 |title=The shadow general : President Sisi has unwittingly revealed more about the way Egypt now works than anyone could have imagined |department=Letter from Cairo |magazine=The New Yorker |volume=92 |issue=43 |pages=44–55 |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/01/02/egypts-failed-revolution|ref=none <!--|access-date=24 April 2017-->}} Online version is titled "Egypt's Failed Revolution". ==External links== {{wikiquote}} {{Commons category|Abdel Fattah el-Sisi}} *[http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=68083　Egyptian State Information Service CV] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20170227163604/http://www.mmc.gov.eg/ Egyptian Armed Forces Commander-in-chief CV] *[http://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/240316.aspx El-Sisi is the new commander-in-chief of the Egyptian armed forces] *{{YouTube|cswwblxWT0w|Sisi's first televised interview}} {{in lang|ar}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20140514121700/http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140514205035 On the future First Lady] {{s-start}} {{s-mil}} {{s-bef|before=[[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi]]}} {{s-ttl|title=General Commander of the [[Egyptian Armed Forces|Armed Forces]]|years=2012–2014}} {{s-aft|after=[[Sedki Sobhy]]}} |- {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=[[Mohamed Hussein Tantawi]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of Ministers of Defence of Egypt|Minister of Defence]]|years=2012–2014}} {{s-aft|after=[[Sedki Sobhy]]}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Momtaz El-Saeed]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt|years=2013–2014}} {{s-vac}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Adly Mansour]]<br />{{small|Interim}}}} {{s-ttl|title=[[President of Egypt]]|years=2014–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}} {{Presidents of Egypt}} {{Commanders of the Egyptian Armed Forces}} {{Cabinet Qandil}} {{Beblawi Cabinet}} {{Mahlab Cabinet}} {{Heads of state of republics}} {{Arab country leaders}} {{African Union chairpersons}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Sisi, Abdel Fattah}} [[Category:1954 births]] [[Category:2013 Egyptian coup d'état]] [[Category:21st-century presidents of Egypt]] [[Category:Chairpersons of the African Union]] [[Category:Beblawi Cabinet]] [[Category:Chiefs of staff]] [[Category:Defence Ministers of Egypt]] [[Category:Egyptian Muslims]] [[Category:Field marshals of Egypt]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Members of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces]] [[Category:Critics of Islamism]] [[Category:People from Cairo]] [[Category:Presidents of Egypt]] [[Category:Qandil Cabinet]] [[Category:Leaders who took power by coup]] [[Category:El-Sisi family]] [[Category:Egyptian Military Academy alumni]] [[Category:Directors of the Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance (Egypt)]]'