Egypt: Is Sissi's Promotion a Step Closer to the Presidency?

Interim president Adly Mansour issued a presidential decree promoting General Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, minister of defence, to the rank of field marshal. It is the highest rank in the Egyptian military.

The promotion has created a buzz online, with many wondering whether it paves the way for Sissi to run for presidency in elections penciled in for the end of April.

Adam Makary tweets:

Louisa Loveluck notes:

And Ahmed Abrass explains what the title Field Marshal means [ar]:

“Field Marshal in English means someone who has led troops on the field battle and have obtained scintillating victories”

This isn't the case for El Sissi. However, it seems that this is not a prerequisite in the Egyptian army and that the former general had all the necessary qualifications to become a Field Marshal.

Nervana Mahmoud explains:

Bel Trew confirms:

And Egyptian Streets says:

Many netizens seem puzzled and clearly annoyed by the news.

On Facebook, Mina Labib asks [ar]:

يتكافؤه على ايه ؟؟ علي إنفجارات ؟؟!!

What is he being honoured for? The explosions?

Egypt woke up on January 24 to a series of four explosions, which left six dead and over 70 wounded in Cairo.

Some suggest that this promotion is a fast-track to Sissi's presidential bid. Nervana Mahmoud writes:

Egyptian Streets adds:

And journalist Patrick Kingsley explains:

It seems that the presidential bid isn't the only reason for this promotion. Tarik Salama tweets:

And Basil Al Dabh adds:

In time of great unrest and crackdown on personal freedoms, some people see this as another step towards the deification and cult of personality that Egyptian leaders were used to enforce.

Zack Gold explains:

While Gr33ndata shares this cartoon:

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