Sisi: Sabotage plans continue, the push to overthrow the state remains, and we all bear responsibility for protecting it

Cairo — Khadija Hamouda

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended yesterday the graduation ceremony for the sixth cohort of judicial bodies and institutions (Ministry of Justice) at the Egyptian Military Academy. The event was held in the Al-Safwa Hall at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Mohamed Shnaoui, the official spokesperson for the Presidency, stated that upon the President’s arrival at the Military Academy, he was received by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly; Ashraf Salem Zaher, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Production; Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; Mahmoud Helmy El-Sharif, Minister of Justice; and Brigadier General Mohamed Salah El-Turki, Director of the Egyptian Military Academy.

The spokesperson noted that, on this occasion, the President delivered remarks in which he welcomed the graduates, extending his thanks and congratulations. He highlighted his commitment to being present at this event, which marks the graduation of 1,350 trainees. The President added that he had previously addressed trainees and students in various specialties during earlier meetings at the Academy. He emphasized the importance of discussing, on this occasion marking the graduation of trainees from judicial bodies, the concept and objectives behind offering courses at the Academy, as well as the efforts exerted in this regard over the past period. The President clarified that the Academy serves as a gateway to assuming positions within the Egyptian state. He noted that it was natural for this concept to initially seem unusual or unclear, a common reaction to any new idea, but that the anticipated impact of this initiative will become apparent after several years.

The President affirmed that when he proposed that the Academy assume this role and serve as a gateway for all state institutions—whether the judiciary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Administrative Control Authority, or other state entities—the objective was to apply and enforce a single set of standards for everyone.

He explained that detailed criteria were established for selecting male and female candidates in each ministry according to its specific requirements. The goal was to establish a new entity that applies honest standards without favoritism or nepotism. The President stressed that if this new system does not persist, it will lead to dysfunction. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining these standards and their relative weights, noting that standards and relative weights established by the state in previous periods had been disregarded and compromised, losing their objectivity.

The President stated, “If we seek genuine reform of state institutions, a serious pathway must be established. Time is a decisive factor in its implementation. This reform, particularly in countries with millions of citizens, will take time, and everyone must recognize this.”

He pointed out that the objective is not the militarization of the state. He urged everyone to remain vigilant, noting that the events of 2011–2013 have not concluded, that the underlying plan has not ceased, and that the persistent push to undermine the state remains. He emphasized the need for the people and families to be aware and alert to this, stressing that responsibility lies with everyone, not solely with officials, thinkers, and media figures.

The President noted that in 2011, Egypt witnessed extremely dangerous practices and faced major challenges. However, God Almighty willed that Egypt, unlike other countries, would survive. He indicated that what happened in other countries was orchestrated and planned, and that Egypt’s survival was by God’s grace. This, he said, places a responsibility on us, especially given that Egypt’s resources do not allow for prolonged challenges.

The President affirmed that we have a role and responsibility to preserve the Egyptian state, not merely the President or the government. He clarified that it is a mistake to view the issue as preserving the President, as this empties the matter of its substance. He noted that one of the objectives of the courses offered by the Egyptian Military Academy is to immunize young people against the idea of sabotaging Egypt, as was orchestrated in 2011 and 2012.

He added that the Academy’s courses provide a substantial dose of knowledge tailored by each institution for its trainees. Additionally, a unified educational component, accounting for approximately 20%, is provided by the Academy and specialists to all trainees and students. The President emphasized that all these efforts contribute to human development, a noble task aimed at preparing competent, qualified individuals with balanced personalities and good values who contribute to building the state. He reiterated that this is a shared responsibility.

The President stated that we must thank God Almighty for the blessings He has bestowed upon Egypt. He urged Egyptians to be mindful of their country and to preserve it, as any harm that befalls it will affect us all. He noted that psychologists and sociologists participated in designing the Academy’s programs. It took time for the concept of the Egyptian Military Academy’s involvement in training cadres to be accepted and for these standards, which reject favoritism and nepotism, to be firmly established. He stressed the importance of respecting the system being implemented, the need to prepare young people academically and professionally, maintain their health, and continue raising awareness among youth and employees. He warned against arrogance, whether based on position, job, religiosity, a sense of righteousness, or any other form of superiority.