Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Defense Minister Abdul Fatah Sisi has further expanded his authority in Egypt.

President Adly Mansour has ordered that Sisi would head the ruling military council that overthrew two presidents since 2011. The presidential decree, issued on Feb. 27, marked the first time that a civilian would not head the council.

Under the decree, the Supreme Council for Armed Forces, until now headed by the president, would be increased to 23 generals from all services in the military. The vice president of the council would be Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Sobhi Sidki.

The directive was issued nearly two months before presidential elections. Sisi was expected to resign from the council should he run for president.

In January, Egypt approved a constitution in which the president would appoint the defense minister. The constitution, in a move that bolstered the military, allowed the council to name its head for eight years.

Egypt’s state-owned media said Mansour’s directive would also enable
Sisi to appoint his aides as council members. Sisi already has the authority
to convene the ruling military panel.

  Abdul Fatah Sisi, Adly Mansour, Egyptian decree solidifies Sisi’s power base, Lt. Gen. Sobhi Sidki