Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Official portrait, 2017
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Born	Abd el-Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi 19 11, 1954
Birthplace	El Gamaleya, Cairo, Egypt
Nationality	Egyptian
Occupation	Politician, retired military officer
Known for	6th President of Egypt, leader of the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état
Education	Egyptian Military Academy
Children	4
Awards	Field marshal rank

Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi (born 19 November 1954) is an Egyptian politician and retired military officer serving as the sixth President of Egypt since June 2014. Born in the historic El Gamaleya district of Cairo, Sisi rose through the ranks of the Egyptian Army over a career spanning nearly four decades, reaching the position of Director of Military Intelligence before being appointed Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces by President Mohamed Morsi in August 2012. Less than a year later, Sisi led the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état that removed Morsi from power on 3 July 2013, following mass protests against Morsi's presidency. He subsequently won the 2014 Egyptian presidential election and has remained in power since, also winning elections in 2018 and 2023 that were characterized by a lack of meaningful opposition. During his presidency, Sisi also served as Chairperson of the African Union from February 2019 to February 2020. His tenure has been marked by large-scale infrastructure projects, a significant military role in the economy, and an extensive crackdown on political opposition and civil liberties that has drawn sustained international criticism from human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch has described elements of his governance as reliant on "naked coercion and the military and security services" as the primary instruments of control.

Early Life

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was born on 19 November 1954 in the El Gamaleya neighbourhood of Cairo, a densely populated area in the historic heart of the Egyptian capital. The neighbourhood, situated near the famed Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Al-Azhar Mosque, is one of Cairo's oldest quarters and has historically been associated with traditional Cairene culture and commerce. Sisi's full name—Abd el-Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi—follows Egyptian naming conventions, incorporating his father's and grandfather's given names.

Details about Sisi's childhood and family background prior to his military career remain relatively limited in publicly available sources. He grew up in Cairo during a period of significant political transformation in Egypt, including the aftermath of the 1952 Egyptian revolution led by Gamal Abdel Nasser and the subsequent era of Arab nationalism, followed by the presidency of Anwar Sadat and the shift toward a more Western-aligned foreign policy. These formative years coincided with Egypt's involvement in several regional conflicts, including the Six-Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973, events that profoundly shaped the Egyptian military establishment that Sisi would later join.

Sisi entered military service in 1977, beginning a career in the Egyptian Army that would span nearly four decades. He was assigned to the infantry branch, where he would build the foundation of his military career. His early years in the armed forces coincided with the Camp David Accords and Egypt's peace treaty with Israel in 1979 under President Sadat, a watershed moment that fundamentally reoriented Egypt's military posture and its relationship with both the Western and Arab worlds.

Education

Sisi received his primary military training at the Egyptian Military Academy, one of the country's principal institutions for officer education. He subsequently pursued additional professional military education both domestically and internationally. According to records, Sisi attended the United Kingdom's Joint Services Command and Staff College, and he also completed coursework at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he wrote a thesis on democracy in the Middle East. The thesis, which later attracted significant academic and media attention following his rise to power, provided insight into his views on governance, religion, and the role of democracy in the region. In the paper, Sisi argued that democracy in the Middle East would necessarily reflect the region's religious and cultural values, a position that some analysts interpreted as an indication of his views on the relationship between Islam and the state.

Career

Military Career and Rise Through the Ranks

Sisi's military career began in 1977 when he was commissioned as an officer in the infantry branch of the Egyptian Army. Over the following decades, he advanced through a series of command and staff positions within the armed forces. His career trajectory included assignments in military intelligence, a branch that would become central to his professional identity and his eventual rise to political power.

In January 2010, Sisi was appointed Director of Military Intelligence, succeeding Murad Muwafi in the post. This position placed him at the helm of one of Egypt's most powerful intelligence agencies and gave him direct access to the senior military and political leadership. He held this role during the tumultuous period of the 2011 Egyptian revolution, which led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak after nearly 30 years in power. During the revolution and its immediate aftermath, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), led by Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, assumed executive authority in Egypt. Sisi, as head of military intelligence, played a role within this transitional power structure.

Minister of Defence and the 2013 Coup

On 12 August 2012, newly elected President Mohamed Morsi—Egypt's first democratically elected head of state—appointed Sisi as Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, replacing Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. The appointment was part of a broader reshuffling of the military leadership undertaken by Morsi. At the time, Sisi was regarded as a relatively young and professional officer, and his selection was interpreted by some analysts as an attempt by Morsi to install a more cooperative military leadership.

However, relations between the Morsi government and the military establishment deteriorated over the following year amid broader political polarization. Large-scale protests erupted across Egypt in mid-2013, with millions of demonstrators taking to the streets to demand Morsi's resignation, citing grievances over the economy, governance, and what opponents characterized as the Muslim Brotherhood's consolidation of power. On 3 July 2013, Sisi appeared on national television alongside a coalition of political, religious, and civil leaders to announce the removal of Morsi from power. The military suspended the constitution and installed Chief Justice Adly Mansour as interim president. The action was widely described internationally as a military coup, though Sisi and his supporters characterized it as a response to the will of the Egyptian people.

Rabaa Massacre and Crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood

Following the removal of Morsi, supporters of the deposed president and the Muslim Brotherhood organized large-scale sit-in protests at two locations in Cairo: Rabaa al-Adawiya Square and al-Nahda Square. On 14 August 2013, under Sisi's command as Minister of Defence, Egyptian security forces moved to disperse both encampments. The operation resulted in what became known as the Rabaa massacre, one of the deadliest incidents of mass killing in modern Egyptian history. According to reports, approximately 3,000 civilians were killed in the dispersal operations, and nearly 19,000 people were arrested.

The events at Rabaa al-Adawiya Square drew intense international condemnation. Human Rights Watch described the killings as "crimes against humanity" and called for accountability. The Egyptian government defended the operations as necessary measures to restore order and combat what it described as armed elements within the protest camps. The crackdown extended beyond the immediate sit-in dispersals, leading to a broad campaign against the Muslim Brotherhood, which was subsequently designated a terrorist organization by the Egyptian government. Thousands of Brotherhood members and supporters were arrested, tried, and sentenced, including Morsi himself, who was convicted on multiple charges and remained in detention until his death in June 2019.

During this period, Sisi also served as Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt from 16 July 2013 to 26 March 2014, under Prime Ministers Hazem al-Beblawi and Ibrahim Mahlab, further consolidating his position within the post-coup government.

Presidency: First Term (2014–2018)

On 26 March 2014, Sisi resigned his military commission and announced his candidacy for the presidency. He held the rank of Field Marshal, the highest rank in the Egyptian military. The 2014 Egyptian presidential election, held in May 2014, saw Sisi run against a single opponent, the left-leaning politician Hamdeen Sabahi. Sisi won with approximately 97 percent of the vote, though the election was marked by low voter turnout and criticism from opposition groups who questioned the fairness of the process. He was sworn into office as the sixth President of Egypt on 8 June 2014.

Sisi's first term was characterized by several major policy initiatives. He launched a series of large-scale infrastructure projects, the most prominent of which was the expansion of the Suez Canal, inaugurated in August 2015. The project was presented as a symbol of national renewal and a driver of economic growth. His government also undertook construction of a new administrative capital east of Cairo, intended to alleviate congestion in the existing capital and modernize government operations.

On the economic front, Sisi's government implemented significant austerity measures, including cuts to fuel and electricity subsidies that had long been a feature of the Egyptian social contract. In November 2016, the Egyptian pound was floated, leading to a sharp devaluation that increased the cost of living for many Egyptians. These measures were implemented in coordination with a loan agreement from the International Monetary Fund.

Throughout his first term, Sisi's government faced an ongoing insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula, where Islamist militant groups, including a local affiliate of the Islamic State, carried out attacks against security forces and civilians. A particularly devastating attack occurred at a mosque in Bir al-Abed in November 2017, killing more than 300 worshippers in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Egyptian history.

The period also saw an increasing concentration of political power and a systematic narrowing of space for civil society and political opposition. Press freedoms were curtailed, with numerous journalists arrested or detained. Non-governmental organizations faced restrictive new legislation governing their operations and funding. Political opponents, activists, and critics of the government were subject to arrest and prosecution under broadly worded anti-terrorism and protest laws.

Presidency: Second and Third Terms (2018–present)

Sisi won re-election in the 2018 Egyptian presidential election, again with an overwhelming share of the vote. The election took place after several potential challengers were arrested, disqualified, or pressured into withdrawing from the race. Former military chief of staff Sami Anan was arrested after announcing his candidacy, and other prospective candidates dropped out under circumstances that opposition figures characterized as intimidation. The sole remaining challenger, Moussa Mostafa Moussa, had been a supporter of Sisi until shortly before the election.

In April 2019, a national referendum approved constitutional amendments that, among other provisions, extended presidential terms from four to six years, allowed Sisi to run for a third term in 2024 (later moved to 2023), and expanded the military's formal role in political affairs, including granting the armed forces a mandate to "protect the constitution and democracy."

Sisi served as Chairperson of the African Union from 10 February 2019 to 10 February 2020, succeeding Rwandan President Paul Kagame. During his tenure in the role, he focused on themes of post-conflict reconstruction and development on the African continent.

In December 2023, Sisi won a third presidential term with approximately 89.6 percent of the vote. As with previous elections, the contest was criticized by international observers for the absence of genuine political competition.

In 2024, Egyptian citizens and activists organized what was termed a "Dignity Revolution," an online movement that resulted in widespread anti-regime protests across the country. The government responded with a heavy crackdown on dissent, arbitrarily detaining hundreds of participants.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Under Sisi's presidency, Egypt has maintained its strategic alliance with the United States, though relations have experienced periodic tensions over human rights concerns. Egypt receives substantial military aid from the United States, and the two countries cooperate on counterterrorism and regional security matters.

Sisi has cultivated close relationships with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which provided significant financial support to Egypt following the 2013 coup. As recently as February 2026, Sisi met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah for discussions that included the rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians, reflecting continued Egyptian-Saudi coordination on regional issues.

In January 2026, Sisi delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, where he reiterated Egypt's commitment to international cooperation, including in relation to the situation in Gaza.

Egypt has also positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly during the recurring crises in Gaza. Egypt's control of the Rafah border crossing and its intelligence services' role in negotiating ceasefires have kept Cairo central to Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Personal Life

Sisi is married to Entissar Amer, who has maintained a relatively low public profile compared to the wives of some previous Egyptian presidents. The couple has four children, including a son named Mahmoud. During the 2014 presidential campaign, Egyptian media reported on the potential role of the prospective first lady, with coverage noting the contrast between Entissar Amer's reserved public persona and the more prominent roles played by wives of other Middle Eastern leaders.

Sisi has on occasion invoked religious themes in his public discourse. In a 2015 address, he made remarks that were interpreted by some commentators as positioning himself as divinely appointed to lead Egypt, a characterization his supporters disputed.

Recognition

Sisi holds the rank of Field Marshal, the highest military rank in the Egyptian armed forces, which was conferred upon him prior to his resignation from the military in March 2014. His elevation to this rank was widely seen as a precursor to his presidential campaign and served to enhance his prestige among military-aligned constituencies.

As Chairperson of the African Union in 2019–2020, Sisi represented the continent in international forums and hosted the organization's summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. His selection for the role, while rotational, was viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement for Egypt's reengagement with African institutions after years of relative disengagement.

Sisi's presidency has been the subject of extensive international media and academic scrutiny. The Economist has published multiple analyses of his governance, including examinations of Egypt's trajectory from autocracy through revolution and back to authoritarian rule.

International human rights organizations have consistently criticized Sisi's record. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented what they describe as systematic repression of dissent, including mass arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Egypt under Sisi has been ranked among the world's leading jailers of journalists.

Analysts have described Egypt under Sisi as "The Sick Man of the Middle East," a reference to his governance challenges and the country's economic turbulence, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and mounting external debt.

Legacy

Sisi's legacy remains contested and evolving. Supporters credit him with restoring stability to Egypt after the turbulence of the 2011 revolution and the divisive Morsi presidency, pointing to infrastructure development, counterterrorism operations in the Sinai, and the maintenance of Egypt's central role in regional diplomacy. The expansion of the Suez Canal, the construction of the new administrative capital, and major road and housing projects are cited as tangible achievements of his tenure.

Critics, however, view Sisi's presidency as a restoration and intensification of authoritarian rule in Egypt. Most independent observers characterize his government as a dictatorship, with the military and security services serving as the primary pillars of the political system. The Rabaa massacre of August 2013 remains a defining event, with human rights organizations continuing to call for accountability and characterizing it as one of the largest mass killings of protesters in modern history. Elements of Sisi's rule have been described as more repressive than those of Hosni Mubarak, who governed Egypt from 1981 to 2011.

Economically, Sisi's legacy is mixed. While his government has pursued modernization and liberalization policies, including the IMF-backed reforms of 2016, ordinary Egyptians have faced significant hardships, including rising prices, reduced subsidies, and limited economic opportunities. The military's expanding role in the economy—through ownership of businesses, land, and infrastructure contracts—has raised concerns about the distortion of market competition and the entrenchment of military economic power.

The question of political succession remains a central uncertainty. The constitutional amendments of 2019, which extended presidential terms and allowed Sisi to remain in office potentially until 2030, have been viewed by analysts as an effort to consolidate long-term power. The suppression of the 2024 "Dignity Revolution" protests demonstrated both the persistence of public discontent and the government's readiness to use force to maintain control.

In regional affairs, Sisi's Egypt has maintained its traditional role as a major Arab power and mediator, though analysts debate whether the country's influence has been sustained or diminished relative to the growing roles of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey in Middle Eastern affairs. Egypt's continued engagement in Palestinian-Israeli mediation, including during the Gaza crises, has ensured Cairo's relevance in one of the region's most intractable conflicts.