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

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2030, stating that the matter is "completely settled." The 71-year-old former army general, who assumed the presidency in 2014, made the announcement during a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, one of his signature megaprojects.

Sisi affirmed that the Egyptian constitution would remain unchanged and that he would not discuss the issue further. The current term limits, imposed by a 2014 constitutional amendment, originally allowed Sisi to serve two four-year terms, but a 2019 referendum extended presidential terms to six years, enabling his re-election in 2023 for a six-year term ending in 2030.

Critics have speculated about potential further constitutional changes that could extend his rule beyond 2030. Before his presidency, Sisi had ruled out political ambitions, but he resigned from his role as defense minister in 2014 to run for office, ultimately winning. He has since overseen an ambitious state-led development program featuring numerous megaprojects, which critics claim have relied heavily on borrowing and have contributed to Egypt's growing debt and economic challenges.

Throughout his 12 years in power, Sisi's administration has faced persistent criticism from international human rights organizations over restrictions on political opposition, civil society, and freedom of expression, claims the government rejects as necessary for maintaining stability and security.