Egypt’s Sisi rules out staying in power beyond 2030

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said he will leave office when his current presidential term expires in 2030, describing the matter as settled and ruling out further discussion about extending his tenure.

Sisi made the announcement on Saturday while addressing a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo. He also pledged that the country’s constitution would not be amended to extend his stay in power.

“The period leading up to 2030 will be the end of my term as president of the state, if I am still alive,” Sisi said, reaffirming his commitment to leave office at the end of his current term.

The 71-year-old former army chief assumed the presidency in 2014 after the military removed former president Mohamed Morsi from power in 2013. He was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2023 following constitutional changes that altered presidential term limits.

Egypt’s 2014 constitution initially restricted presidents to two four-year terms. However, amendments approved in a 2019 referendum extended presidential terms to six years and introduced transitional provisions that allowed Sisi to seek another term. His current mandate is due to end in 2030.

The possibility of further constitutional changes had fuelled speculation about whether Sisi might remain in office beyond that date. His latest statement appears intended to address those concerns.

During Saturday’s address, Sisi also highlighted plans to prepare a new generation of leaders before the end of his presidency. He said the Military Academy was training hundreds of prospective officials, ministers and potential presidential candidates in leadership and state administration.

Since taking office, Sisi has overseen major infrastructure and development projects, including the construction of the New Administrative Capital. However, the government’s development strategy has faced criticism over rising public debt, borrowing costs and economic pressures.

His administration has also faced criticism from international human rights organisations over restrictions on political opposition, civil society and freedom of expression. Egyptian authorities have rejected such criticism, arguing that their policies are necessary to maintain national stability and security.

Sisi’s pledge comes as attention increasingly turns towards Egypt’s political transition and the question of leadership after 2030.