CAN SISI SAVE EGYPT?

Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has begun his third term, a departure from his 2018 pledge not to run again. He previously promised to stabilise the country after the 2011- 2013 turbulence. His 10-year administration has, however, seen restriction of press freedoms, jailing of critics and intimidation of would-be electoral challengers according to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty. In the past six months, 196 people were arrested on, among other charges, participating in unauthorised protests.

During his inauguration in the newly built administrative capital, he pledged more social spending amid spiralling inflation and debt. He also has to contend with Israel’s destruction of Gaza, ongoing disputes such as Sudan’s civil war, and concerns over Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam.

It’s a full in-tray for the man who came to power following the 2013 coup that overthrew President Mohamed Mursi. On Tuesday (April 2), Al-Sisi outlined his wish list for the next six years. The question is, how much can he really achieve? Give us your predictions.