Abdel Fattah El-sisi
Introduction
Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi, commonly known as Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has been a dominant figure in Egyptian politics for over a decade, serving as the sixth and current president of Egypt since 2014. His trajectory from a career military officer to the nation's highest office is a complex narrative intertwined with significant moments in modern Egyptian history, including the 2011 revolution and the subsequent political upheavals. This detailed article, researched by Beyonddennis, aims to provide an uncensored and comprehensive look into his life, career, and the multifaceted impact of his leadership.
Early Life and Military Education
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was born on November 19, 1954, in Gamaleya, an old quarter of Cairo, Egypt. He grew up in a religiously conservative family. His father, Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi, was a respected merchant. El-Sisi's upbringing in a traditional environment is often cited as a significant influence on his personal values and public persona.
His path into the military began early. He enrolled in the Egyptian Military Academy in 1973, graduating in 1977. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career within the Egyptian Armed Forces. His military education continued with studies abroad, including the British Command and Staff College in 1992 and the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 2006. These international trainings exposed him to various military doctrines and strategic thinking, contributing to his professional development.
Ascension Through the Military Ranks
Throughout his military career, el-Sisi held various command positions, steadily rising through the ranks. He served in the mechanized infantry and held intelligence positions. His career progression was marked by diligence and a reputation for being a disciplined and pious officer. Before reaching the highest echelons, he served as commander of the Northern Military Region and then as Director of Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance, a critical role that brought him into close contact with the inner workings of the state's security apparatus.
His role as Director of Military Intelligence, which he assumed in 2010, positioned him as a key figure within the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). This council became the de facto governing body of Egypt after the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak during the 2011 revolution. El-Sisi was the youngest member of SCAF at the time, indicating his rapid ascent and the trust placed in him by the military establishment.
From Military Intelligence to Minister of Defense
Following the 2011 revolution, Egypt entered a period of political transition. In August 2012, then-President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, appointed el-Sisi as Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces. This appointment was seen by some as a strategic move by Morsi to assert control over the military, as el-Sisi was perceived as a less politically entrenched figure compared to his predecessor.
As Minister of Defense, el-Sisi became a central figure in the escalating political tensions between the Morsi government and its opponents. The Muslim Brotherhood, to which Morsi belonged, faced increasing popular discontent and protests. El-Sisi repeatedly called for dialogue and national unity, positioning the military as a neutral arbiter in the growing political crisis. However, the military's patience with the political deadlock, and its increasing alignment with the demands of the anti-Morsi protesters, became evident.
The Overthrow of Mohamed Morsi and the Road to Presidency
On July 3, 2013, after massive nationwide protests against Morsi's rule, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced on national television that the military had removed Morsi from power, suspended the constitution, and installed an interim government. This event, widely described as a military coup by international observers and Morsi's supporters, was celebrated by millions of Egyptians who had protested against the Muslim Brotherhood's government.
El-Sisi quickly became the de facto leader of Egypt. He initiated a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and other political opponents, leading to mass arrests and violent confrontations, notably the Rabaa massacre in August 2013, where security forces violently dispersed pro-Morsi sit-ins, resulting in hundreds of deaths. This period was marked by significant human rights concerns and a shrinking of political space.
In early 2014, el-Sisi resigned from his military post and announced his candidacy for president. He ran on a platform of restoring stability and fighting terrorism, enjoying immense popularity among a significant portion of the population weary of political instability. He won the presidential election in May 2014 with an overwhelming majority, securing over 96% of the vote in an election characterized by a low turnout and a lack of credible opposition. He was re-elected in 2018 and 2023, each time with similarly high margins, in elections that critics argued lacked genuine competition.
Presidency: Policies, Challenges, and Controversies
Domestic Policies
Since assuming the presidency, el-Sisi's domestic agenda has focused heavily on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and national security. He has overseen massive infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Suez Canal, the construction of a new administrative capital, and numerous road networks and housing projects. These projects are often presented as vital for economic growth and job creation, though they have also been criticized for their high costs and reliance on military-affiliated companies.
Economically, his government has implemented austerity measures and secured large loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), leading to currency devaluations and subsidy cuts. While these measures aimed to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment, they have also led to increased inflation and hardship for ordinary Egyptians.
On the security front, el-Sisi's government has waged a fierce campaign against Islamist militants, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. This campaign has involved large-scale military operations but has also been accompanied by severe restrictions on civil liberties, extensive surveillance, and what human rights organizations describe as widespread abuses.
Human Rights and Political Dissent
One of the most significant and consistent criticisms of el-Sisi's presidency has been its human rights record. Critics, including international organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, accuse his government of severely suppressing dissent, imprisoning tens of thousands of political opponents, journalists, and activists, and systematically using torture. Freedom of expression, assembly, and association have been drastically curtailed, with little tolerance for any form of opposition.
Journalists face severe restrictions, and numerous media outlets have been shut down or brought under state control. The crackdown has targeted not only Islamists but also secular activists, academics, and anyone perceived as a threat to the regime's stability.
Foreign Policy and Regional Role
In foreign policy, el-Sisi has sought to restore Egypt's regional influence and strengthen its alliances. He has fostered close ties with Gulf Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have provided significant financial support to Egypt. He has also maintained a strong relationship with the United States, despite concerns over human rights, as Egypt remains a crucial strategic partner in counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability.
His government has also diversified its international partners, strengthening ties with Russia and China. In regional conflicts, Egypt under el-Sisi has taken a firm stance against political Islam and has been involved in efforts to stabilize Libya and mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has positioned Egypt as a bulwark against extremism and a pillar of stability in a volatile region.
Conclusion
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's leadership has profoundly reshaped Egypt. For his supporters, he is a strong leader who rescued Egypt from chaos and extremism, ushering in an era of stability and ambitious development projects. They credit him with improving security and restoring national pride. For his detractors, however, his rule has come at the cost of democratic freedoms and human rights, transforming Egypt into an authoritarian state where dissent is not tolerated. His legacy remains a subject of intense debate, embodying the complex challenges and trade-offs faced by a nation navigating political upheaval, economic pressures, and regional instability.