Egyptian President El-Sisi Appoints Former Mubarak, Morsi Ministers As His Aides

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has appointed two ministers who served under deposed presidents Hosni Mubarak and Mohamed Morsi as his security aides, a presidential spokesperson has said.

El-Sisi on Wednesday issued a presidential decree naming Fayza Abul Naga, former Mubarak-era minister of planning and international cooperation as his national security advisor, Egyptian presidency spokesperson Alaa Youssef said.

Abul Naga, who served under Mubarak for over 9 years, remained in office following the 2011 uprising that swept the long-ruling president from power, serving under two successive governments.

El-Sisi also named retired general, Ahmed Gamal El-Din, who was one of the interior ministers under former Islamist president Morsi, as a presidential advisor for “security affairs and combating terrorism.”

The president convened with both officials on Wednesday to address their visions in tackling security issues challenging the country.

Egypt has been facing security issues since the 2011 popular revolt. The challenge has been compounded by an Islamist insurgency that intensified following the July 2013 ouster of Morsi, mostly targeting police and troops.

Militant attacks, based in the border Sinai Peninsula, have expanded into mainland cities including Cairo and the Nile Delta and have at times led to civilian casualties.

Source : Ahram online