Sisi moves to delegate certain Presidential powers to Defense Minister – here’s what that means

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has recently taken steps to delegate certain powers usually held by the President to the Minister of Defense and Military Production, as per the General Mobilization Law. This move, approved in the Official Gazette on September 22, empowers the Minister of Defense to exercise Article 9, 12, and 24 of the 1960 Law for a year, with the decision taking effect on November.

The former Director of the National Defense College, Mohamed al-Ghabbary, explained that this measure is routine and occurs whenever a new Minister of Defense assumes office. Ghabbary emphasized that the delegation is not an emergency measure, but rather a regular procedure tied to the head of the National Defense Council's responsibilities.

The Minister of Defense, alongside his core duties, will handle administrative aspects related to mobilization measures, as the armed forces' mobilization plan is already in place. Ghabbary clarified that the decision does not signal an escalation in the country's general mobilization or prepare the nation for war. Military mobilization typically involves transitioning between active-duty and reserve forces, ensuring an army's readiness to reach required strength levels.

This applies to both peace and wartime situations. Ghabbary further explained that the decision has no direct link to regional conditions and does not imply the country is on the brink of war. The 2011 unrest highlighted the importance of this mobilization system, as the armed forces utilized their resources to respond rapidly to disruption of transport services.

CAPMAS former head Abu Bakr al-Gendy noted that the system extends beyond just the armed forces, encompassing civilian resources that can be mobilized. Gendy explained that events like 2011 demonstrated the system's utility, as the armed forces swiftly used their transport assets, such as vehicles, to transport essential supplies like wheat.

The state leveraged a database and pre-existing inventory of civilian capabilities to swiftly act during the crisis, showcasing the importance of preparedness and efficiency in mobilization efforts.