Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has issued a presidential decree authorizing the Defence Minister and the Minister of Military Production to exercise certain powers assigned to the President under Egypt's conscription and general mobilization law. The decree, bearing number 395 of 2026, stipulates that the Defence Minister and the Military Production Minister are delegated the specific presidential authorities set out in Articles 9, 12, and 24 of Law No. 87 of 1960 on general mobilization. This move is set to run for one year, starting from 1 November 2026.
The delegation of powers to the Defence Minister and the Minister of Military Production is a routine procedure that occurs when a new Defence Minister assumes office, according to Lieutenant General Mohamed El-Ghabary, former director of the National Defence College. In a phone call to the TV program Ala Mas'ouliyet, El-Ghabary explained that the move is a legal and administrative procedure. He emphasized that the delegation is not a new measure tied to an exceptional or emergency situation, but rather a step based on the legal framework.
El-Ghabary further clarified that the delegation does not mean Egypt is announcing a change in its general mobilization status. He explained that the structure of national forces in peacetime relies on active-duty forces and reserve forces. Mobilization, he said, is the mechanism used to complete the required strength of the Armed Forces to the intended level. This process is essential for maintaining the country's defense capabilities.
According to El-Ghabary, each country's peacetime force level is different, and mobilization is used to bring the forces up to the needed strength. He discussed how mobilization relates to peacetime, noting that it is tied to continuous training and to the need for units to complete their force levels during military projects and exercises. This ensures that the Armed Forces are always prepared to respond to any situation.
The presidential decree has been issued in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. The Defence Minister and the Minister of Military Production will exercise the delegated powers for a period of one year, starting from 1 November 2026. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency of the country's defense system.
The Egyptian government has not announced any changes in its general mobilization status. The country's defense system is based on a well-established framework, which includes active-duty forces and reserve forces. The mobilization mechanism is used to ensure that the Armed Forces are always prepared to respond to any situation.
The presidential decree is a routine measure that aims to ensure the smooth functioning of the country's defense system. It is not related to any exceptional or emergency situation. The delegation of powers to the Defence Minister and the Minister of Military Production is a standard procedure that occurs when a new Defence Minister assumes office.
Key points
- The presidential decree authorizes the Defence Minister and the Minister of Military Production to exercise certain powers assigned to the President under Egypt's conscription and general mobilization law.
- The delegation of powers is a routine procedure that occurs when a new Defence Minister assumes office.
- The move does not mean Egypt is announcing a change in its general mobilization status.
