Egypt's President Sisi pledges to leave office when term ends in 2030

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2030, stating the matter is "completely settled". The 71-year-old former army general, who has been president since 2014, made the comments at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital.

Sisi reiterated that the Egyptian constitution "would not be touched" and that the period leading up to 2030 would be focused on grooming a new generation of leaders. The Egyptian constitution, approved in 2014 after the 2013 military coup that ousted Mohamed Morsi, initially limited presidents to two four-year terms. However, constitutional amendments in a 2019 referendum extended presidential terms to six years and allowed Sisi to run for an additional term.

Sisi was re-elected in 2023 for a six-year term set to expire in 2030. Despite his promises, critics and opposition figures have speculated about potential further constitutional changes that could keep him in power beyond 2030. During his 12 years in office, Sisi has overseen state-led development projects, which critics claim have led to heavy borrowing and contributed to Egypt's growing debt and economic challenges.

International human rights organizations have also criticized Sisi's presidency for restricting political opposition, civil society, and freedom of expression, claims the government counters as necessary to maintain stability and security.