Skip to main content

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.
BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 03:  Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (unseen) on June 3, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. The meeting between the two leaders was intended to increase economic and security cooperation between their two countries, which shared 4.4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) in bilateral trade in 2014. The two disagreed over human rights issues such as capital punishment.  (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)

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.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.