Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has warned that individuals manipulating commodity prices could be referred to military courts, as the country grapples with economic pressures exacerbated by regional instability. The announcement, made during an Iftar event hosted by the Egyptian Military Academy on Friday, signals a potential escalation in the government’s response to rising costs and perceived profiteering.
Sisi characterized the current economic situation as a “state of near-emergency,” according to a statement released by the Presidency’s spokesperson, Mohamed El-Shennawy. He directed officials to examine the legal feasibility of trying civilians in military tribunals for price manipulation, a move that would represent a significant departure from standard judicial procedure. News agencies including Ahram Online and ZAWYA reported on the president’s warning.
The president’s remarks come amid heightened concerns over the economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Sisi stated that Egypt had actively sought to prevent the current escalation, emphasizing the destructive consequences of war. “Wars bring nothing but ruin, destruction, and damage to the interests and capabilities of peoples,” he said, confirming Egypt’s continued mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire. He cautioned that the continuation of the conflict would impose a “heavy price.”
Sisi attributed the current unrest to “errors in calculations and estimates,” while also acknowledging the challenges Egypt has faced in recent years, including what he described as “conspiracies.” He asserted that the country’s approach of “beautiful patience” had proven successful in navigating these difficulties and in its dealings with other nations.
Beyond the economic and geopolitical challenges, Sisi highlighted the importance of human development within the Egyptian Military Academy. He noted the academy currently educates approximately 8,000 students, functioning as a complementary educational system alongside traditional schooling. The president revealed that the state is collaborating with specialists in sociology and psychology to create a “roadmap” for effective human preparation.
The selection process for the academy, Sisi emphasized, is based solely on merit and competence, rejecting any form of “favouritism or discrimination.” This commitment, he stated, aims to foster a strong working relationship between various state institutions. El-Shennawy added that the president also underscored the academy’s role in training teachers for deployment in schools, based on “strong foundations and respect for all students,” with the goal of building a “modern state built quietly.”
The Iftar event was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Defence and Military Production General Ashraf Salem Zaher, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, along with other senior military officials and members of the media. Sisi concluded the visit by participating in the Isha and Taraweeh prayers at the academy’s mosque.
