Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has declared that he will leave office when his current term expires in 2030, ruling out further discussions about extending his presidency.
Sisi made the announcement known while addressing graduates and state officials in the new administrative city east of Cairo, where he said the country’s constitution would not be amended.
“The period leading up to 2030 will be the end of my term as president of the state, if I am still alive. This is completely settled and there will be no discussion about it,” he said.
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The 71-year-old president added that the period before 2030 would be used to prepare a new generation of leaders.
Sisi, a former army general, assumed office in 2014. He was initially limited to two four-year terms, but a constitutional amendment approved in a referendum extended presidential terms to six years and included transitional provisions that allowed him to seek another term.
The changes enabled Sisi to remain in office beyond his original term limits, while critics and opposition figures have raised concerns about the possibility of further constitutional amendments to extend his presidency beyond 2030.
During his 12 years in power, Sisi has pursued an ambitious state-led development programme featuring major infrastructure projects. However, critics argue that heavy borrowing to finance the projects has contributed to Egypt’s rising debt burden.
Rights organisations have also accused his administration of restricting political opposition, civil society and freedom of expression.
The Egyptian government has defended its policies, saying they are necessary to maintain national stability and security.
Africanews
