Egypt's Sisi names new defence minister in limited reshuffle
On Wed, Oct 4, 2023, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted a limited cabinet reshuffle, resulting in a change of ministers, including the defence minister. This cabinet, under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, was sanctioned by parliament the…
On Wed, Oct 4, 2023, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted a limited cabinet reshuffle, resulting in a change of ministers, including the defence minister. This cabinet, under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, was sanctioned by parliament the previous day.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Sisi appointed General Ashraf Salem Zaher, former head of the Egyptian Military Academy, as the new defence minister. He replaces General Abdelmeguid Saqr and will oversee a merged ministry for defence and military production. This restructuring aligns with efforts to streamline military economic governance.
Focus on Economic and Service Portfolios
The reshuffle predominantly addressed economic and service portfolios, reflecting the country's efforts to navigate a prolonged economic crisis. President Sisi instructed economic ministries to prioritize reducing public debt, with reference to the nearing completion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program this year. The central bank reported that Egypt's public debt reached $161 billion last fiscal year.
An $8 billion IMF loan agreement includes a state privatization plan aimed at reducing military influence in the economy. President Sisi has emphasized the continuation of the state ownership policy to enhance private sector participation.
On Wed, Oct 4, 2023, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted a limited cabinet reshuffle, resulting in a change of ministers, including the defence minister.
The ministry of planning, economic development, and international cooperation was dissolved. Ahmed Rostom, a former World Bank specialist, was appointed as the new minister of planning. Mahmoud Helmy al-Sherif has assumed the role of justice minister.
Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service, has been appointed as the state minister for information, a role reinstated after five years. Additionally, Gohar Nabil, a former handball champion and three-time Olympian, has been named minister for youth and sport.
This reshuffle comes as Egypt faces ongoing economic challenges, including multiple currency devaluations over the past decade.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
