Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, born on November 19, 1954, in Cairo, Egypt, is a significant figure in Egypt’s modern political history. He began his career in the Egyptian military, where he steadily rose through the ranks. Sisi graduated from the Egyptian Military Academy in 1977, later continuing his studies in military sciences in both the United Kingdom and the United States. He held various positions in the Egyptian Armed Forces, particularly within military intelligence. His career took a sharp turn in 2012 when then-president Mohamed Morsi appointed him as Minister of Defense and Military Production.

Sisi became a central figure during the political turmoil in Egypt following the Arab Spring. After a wave of public protests against President Morsi and his government in 2013, Sisi led the Egyptian military in deposing Morsi from power on July 3, 2013. This move was met with both widespread domestic support and international controversy, as it was seen by some as a necessary intervention to prevent further unrest, while others viewed it as a military coup.

After Morsi’s removal, Sisi became Egypt’s de facto leader. A crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi's political base, followed, with many members being arrested, tried, and in some cases sentenced to death. This period saw increasing political repression, with dissent against the interim government being tightly controlled. Sisi resigned from the military in 2014 to run for president, winning the election with over 96% of the vote amid reports of low voter turnout and allegations of suppression against opposition candidates.

As president, Sisi’s policies have focused on stability, economic reform, and fighting Islamist terrorism, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. His government has initiated large-scale infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Suez Canal and the construction of a new administrative capital. However, his presidency has also been criticized for human rights abuses, including restrictions on freedom of expression, political repression, and the harsh treatment of political opponents.

In 2018, Sisi was re-elected with a similar majority amidst criticisms that the election process was not entirely free or fair. His administration has justified its policies as necessary for maintaining order and promoting economic development, but organizations like Human Rights Watch have documented severe human rights violations under his rule.

Sisi has remained a controversial leader, with a firm grip on power in Egypt. His presidency reflects the challenges faced by many post-Arab Spring countries: balancing economic growth and political stability with demands for greater political freedoms and human rights.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdel_Fattah_el-Sisi