You’re probably looking for a quick name, and here it is: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is the president of Egypt. He’s been in the seat since 2014, and honestly, if you haven’t checked in on Egyptian politics lately, a lot has changed regarding how long he’s actually allowed to stay there.
He isn't just a face on a poster in Cairo. He’s a former military man who basically redefined the modern Egyptian state. Whether you're tracking the news for business, travel, or just general curiosity, understanding who is the president of Egypt means looking at a leader who has navigated everything from a massive revolution to a biting economic crisis that has many Egyptians on edge right now in 2026.
Who is the President of Egypt? The Man Behind the Title
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi didn't start as a politician. Far from it. He was a career military officer, eventually rising to become the Director of Military Intelligence and then the Minister of Defense. You've gotta remember the context of 2013; the country was in absolute chaos. After the 2011 revolution that ousted Hosni Mubarak, Egypt had a brief and polarizing stint with Mohamed Morsi.
When the military—led by el-Sisi—stepped in to remove Morsi after massive public protests, el-Sisi's popularity skyrocketed. People were literally selling chocolates with his face on them. He traded his military fatigues for a suit, resigned from the army, and won the 2014 election with an eye-watering 96% of the vote.
Fast Facts on El-Sisi:
- Born: November 19, 1954 (He’s currently 71).
- Background: Infantry officer, trained at the U.S. Army War College.
- Current Status: Serving his third term.
- Family: Married to Entissar Amer since 1977; they have four children.
Why He Is Still the President (The 2030 Factor)
If you're wondering how he’s still in office after more than a decade, it’s all about the law. Originally, the Egyptian constitution limited presidents to two four-year terms. That would have seen him out by 2022.
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But in 2019, things changed. A series of constitutional amendments were passed that did two major things:
- They extended the presidential term from four years to six years.
- They allowed el-Sisi specifically to run for a third term.
Fast forward to late 2023. El-Sisi won another election (taking about 89.6% of the vote) and was officially sworn in for this third term on April 2, 2024. This means, barring any unforeseen changes, he is set to remain the president of Egypt until 2030.
What’s Happening Right Now in 2026?
It’s January 2026, and the vibe in Egypt is... complicated. On one hand, you have these massive, "Great Pyramid" level infrastructure projects. He’s obsessed with the New Administrative Capital (NAC), a high-tech city in the desert designed to move the government away from the congestion of Cairo.
On the other hand, the economy is the elephant in the room. You can't talk about el-Sisi without talking about the Egyptian Pound. Inflation has hit people hard. Just this week, el-Sisi met with U.S. advisors (like Massad Boulos) to talk about the "2nd Egyptian-American Economic Forum." They’re trying to stabilize things.
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The president is also neck-deep in regional fires. Sudan, Egypt's neighbor to the south, is a mess. El-Sisi has been very vocal about "red lines" regarding Sudan's unity. Then there’s the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). For el-Sisi, water isn't just a resource; it’s an "existential issue." If that dam cuts off Egypt's Nile water, it’s a national security nightmare.
The Nuance: Why Opinions Are So Split
Kinda depends on who you ask.
Supporters see him as the "Strongman" who saved Egypt from becoming another Syria or Libya. They point to the new roads, the improved electricity grid (no more daily blackouts!), and the Suez Canal expansion as proof of progress. To them, stability is worth the price.
Critics, however, point to a very different reality. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have frequently raised alarms about the "unprecedented" crackdown on dissent. Many activists, journalists, and members of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood have ended up in prison. For these people, the "stability" el-Sisi offers feels more like a lid on a boiling pot.
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Practical Takeaways: What This Means for You
If you're dealing with Egypt, here is what you actually need to know:
- For Travelers: Egypt is generally stable under el-Sisi’s tight security grip. You’ll see a heavy police and military presence, especially in Cairo and Sinai. It’s normal there.
- For Investors: Keep an eye on the 2026 Economic Forum. The government is desperate for foreign direct investment to pay off massive debts.
- For Political Junkies: Don't expect a leadership change anytime soon. The 2030 finish line is the current roadmap.
The story of who is the president of Egypt is really the story of a country trying to find its footing between military tradition and a modern global economy. It’s messy, it’s expensive, and it’s far from over.
To stay informed on Egypt's trajectory, monitor the official statements from the Egyptian Presidency and cross-reference them with regional news outlets like Ahram Online or international briefs from Reuters. Understanding the balance between the "Decent Life" (Hayah Karima) initiative for the poor and the high-end development of the New Capital will give you the clearest picture of where el-Sisi is taking the country next.