The Egyptian government has taken a significant step in its counter-terrorism efforts by permanently listing the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity. This decision, published in the Official Gazette on November 9, 2026, marks a shift from previous time-limited designations. The Muslim Brotherhood has been classified as a terrorist organisation in Egypt since December 2013, following the removal of former president Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member, from power.
The permanent designation was issued by the Office for Regulating Lists of Terrorist Entities and Terrorists at the Public Prosecution. This move also adds three individuals to Egypt's terrorist list following final and binding court convictions. The individuals named are Abdel-Rahman Hassan Mohamed Meligy, Gamal Abdel-Hamid Gomaa Abdel-Hamid, and Osama Ibrahim Mohamed Mostafa El-Rakh. They will face separate restrictions, including travel bans, asset freezes, and possible withdrawal of passports.
Under Egypt's Law No. 8 of 2015, listing an organisation as a terrorist entity carries significant legal consequences. These include prohibiting its activities, closing its premises, banning its meetings, and freezing its assets. The legislation also prohibits providing financial support to the organisation or collecting money on its behalf. Additionally, joining the listed organisation, encouraging others to become members, promoting its activities, or raising its slogans is prohibited.
The restrictions for the three individuals listed will also include placement on arrival-watch lists, possible withdrawal or cancellation of passports, and freezing of their financial assets. They are barred from holding public office, working in government positions or public-sector companies, and participating in civil-society or religious advocacy activities. Their memberships in professional syndicates and boards of certain companies, associations, sports clubs, and other public-interest organisations are also suspended.
The latest decision comes amid increased international scrutiny of the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated organisations. In January 2026, the US Department of the Treasury designated the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This was due to their alleged material support for Hamas. The European Parliament also adopted a resolution in October 2026, calling for individuals and organisations linked to the Brotherhood to be assessed for possible inclusion on the European Union's terrorist list.
Egypt's terrorist lists have undergone periodic reviews in the past. In November 2024, a criminal court approved a Public Prosecution request to remove 716 individuals from the lists after investigations indicated they had ceased unlawful activities against the state. This decision marks a significant step in Egypt's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure national security.
The permanent listing of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity is a significant development in Egypt's counter-terrorism efforts. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the organisation and its affiliated individuals. The decision demonstrates Egypt's commitment to addressing the threat of terrorism and promoting national security.
Key points
- The Muslim Brotherhood has been permanently listed as a terrorist entity in Egypt, marking a shift from previous time-limited designations.
- The decision also adds three individuals to Egypt's terrorist list, imposing significant restrictions on their activities and assets.
- The move is part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure national security, amid increased international scrutiny of the Muslim Brotherhood.
