El Sisi insists he will leave office in 2030 as he outlines succession plan

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has declared he will not seek a new term when his current mandate ends in 2030, outlining a plan to groom a new generation of leaders to succeed him. Speaking at a military ceremony for the graduation of new cadets, Mr El Sisi stated that his term ends in 2030 and this is a given. He emphasized his commitment to staying involved in Egypt's affairs, expressing confidence in the country's sons to take on the responsibility after him.

The military academy will invite up to 300 candidates with doctorates from Egyptian or foreign universities to attend a 30-month course, sponsored by the armed forces. Those who complete the course will be the next generation of Egypt's leaders, according to Mr El Sisi. The academy will prepare individuals to understand what a nation is and how to protect it.

Egypt's constitution allows for a president to serve two four-year terms, but constitutional amendments in 2019 extended the term to six years, with the first term beginning in 2018 instead of 2014. Many Egyptians view Mr El Sisi as a stabilizing force amid regional conflict and political instability in neighboring countries.