Appointing military advisers to oversee civil life in Egypt stirs anger
According to a new law approved by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a military adviser will be tasked with representing the Ministry of Defense in every governorate, as is the case with all other ministries.
CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued July 29 Law No. 165 of 2020, amending some provisions of the Law on Popular Defense Organizations No. 55 of 1968. Controversy arose in political and human rights circles due to the introduction of new articles, including one stipulating the appointment of a military adviser for each governorate as well as a number of assistants, appointed by the minister of defense.
The new law gives multiple powers to the military adviser, most notably attending the meetings of the People's Defense Council and the Executive Council for implementing the governorate’s plans, holding meetings with the governorate’s leaders, reporting to the Ministry of Defense and the relevant authorities, and delegating any of his duties to his assistants.
