Egypt Sees Widespread Gubernatorial Changes, Signaling Shift in Leadership
– Egypt underwent a significant reshuffling of its gubernatorial leadership, with new appointments announced for all 27 governorates. The changes took effect following an oath-taking ceremony before President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at the Ittihadiya Presidential Palace on , representing a broad overhaul of local administration.
While six governors will retain their positions – Mohamed El-Zamalot (New Valley), Khaled Shuaib (Matrouh), Amr Hanafy (Red Sea), Ibrahim Abu-Laimon (Menoufia), Mohamed Hani (Beni Suef), and Ahmed El-Ansary (Fayoum) – the vast majority of governorates will see new leadership. Key governorates including Cairo and Alexandria are among those experiencing changes at the helm.
Notably, a substantial portion of the newly appointed governors come from a military background, indicating a continued role for the armed forces in Egyptian governance. The governor’s role is described as crucial, directly impacting the daily lives of Egyptian citizens through responsibilities ranging from local education and hygiene to infrastructure maintenance, and security.
Governors are tasked with developing plans to address local issues, managing essential services like garbage collection and medical centers, and fostering investment opportunities within their respective governorates. They also play a key role in maintaining security and presenting development plans to the Egyptian Cabinet.
Among the new appointments, Lieutenant-General Ahmed Khaled Hassan Saeed will serve as the Governor of Alexandria, while Dr. Ibrahim Rawash has been appointed as the Governor of Cairo.
The State Information Service released the full list of gubernatorial appointments, confirming the widespread nature of the changes. The reshuffle comes after President El-Sisi secured a third consecutive term in office on , officially inaugurating the New Administrative Capital as the seat of government.
According to a statement released by the Presidential Spokesman, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shinnawi, President El-Sisi held a meeting with the new governors and their deputies following the oath-taking ceremony. During the meeting, President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of each governor effectively utilizing the resources available in their governorate to achieve tangible results that serve the public interest. He stressed the pivotal role of each governor and the need for dedicated and sincere work, free from favoritism, with a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges faced by their communities.
President El-Sisi also highlighted the importance of continuous communication between governors, their deputies, and citizens, urging them to seriously consider complaints and requests. He emphasized the need for efficient management of available resources and cooperation with investors and business leaders. Transparency, clear communication with the government, members of Parliament and the Senate, and direct contact with the President when necessary were also underscored.
The President directed the governors to prioritize addressing issues related to illegal construction, sanitation, water and electricity supply, schools, and ensuring regular attendance. He also called for promoting a culture of sports and strengthening cooperation with civil society organizations.
President El-Sisi stressed the importance of personal oversight of cleanliness campaigns, completing projects related to the “Decent Life” initiative, monitoring bakeries, and being present in the field to resolve citizens’ problems. He also directed them to effectively supervise housing projects and the construction of new cities, removing obstacles in coordination with relevant state agencies, and firmly confronting encroachments on agricultural land and waterways, dealing with slums and violations, and paying attention to urban planning and visual identity.
The President also emphasized the need for each governor to continuously strive to develop resources and implement projects related to their governorate, taking necessary measures to overcome obstacles in governorates receiving tourists, and encouraging tourism to enhance their tourism role.
On , President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a series of directives to the Egyptian government following the recent cabinet reshuffle, reportedly according to a Facebook post from Egypt Today Magazine. The directives aim to ensure effective implementation of policies and address key national priorities.
