CAIRO: The Egypt’s defence minister and armed forces Chief General Abdul Fatah Al-Sissi has announced his resignation during a televised address in Cairo from his military position to stand in the upcoming Egyptian presidential elections.
“Today, I stand before you for the last time in a military uniform, after deciding to end my service as defense minister and commander of the armed forces,” Sisi said.
“With all modesty, I nominate myself for the presidency of Egypt,” he said, adding, “I will continue to fight every day for an Egypt free of terrorism.”
His resignation comes after a meeting with the supreme council of the armed forces.
No date has yet been set for the presidential election in Egypt; however, according to media reports, Sisi is expected to win the vote easily.
Sisi was appointed as the general commander of the armed forces and defense minister by the country’s ousted president Mohamed Morsi in 2012. Later, Sisi played a key role in masterminding Morsi’s downfall following a wave of protests.
