Egypt’s Sisi Rules Out Extending Presidency Beyond 2030

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said he will leave office when his current term expires in 2030, describing the matter as settled and ruling out further amendments to the constitution to prolong his presidency.

Sisi made the declaration on Saturday during a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo.

He said the Egyptian constitution would not be altered to extend his tenure, adding that the end of his presidency in 2030 was not open to further discussion.

The announcement comes amid speculation over whether constitutional changes could allow the 71-year-old leader to remain in power beyond his current term.

Sisi, a former army general, became president in 2014 after the military ousted former President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. He was re-elected in 2023 for a six-year term scheduled to end in 2030.

Egypt’s constitution, adopted in 2014, initially limited presidents to two four-year terms. However, constitutional amendments approved in a 2019 referendum extended presidential terms to six years and included transitional provisions that allowed Sisi to seek another term, paving the way for his current tenure.

During Saturday’s ceremony, Sisi also outlined plans to prepare a new generation of leaders through training at the Military Academy. The initiative is expected to develop the skills of prospective government officials and other individuals who may assume positions of national responsibility.

He said Egypt had capable individuals who could take on leadership roles, stressing the importance of preparing people to manage state affairs.

Sisi’s presidency has overseen major state-led infrastructure and development projects. However, his administration has faced criticism from international human rights organisations over restrictions on political opposition, civil society and freedom of expression. The government has rejected such criticism, maintaining that its policies are necessary to preserve national stability and security.

His latest declaration signals his stated intention to conclude his presidency in 2030, although the country’s political direction and the process of preparing future leaders remain important issues ahead of the end of his term.