Sisi Cautions Against Chaos in Egypt Following Assad’s Fall

President Sisi warned that unnamed forces are attempting to destabilize Egypt following the fall of Assad in Syria. He emphasized the need for national unity to prevent chaos and destruction, while Egyptian security forces cracked down on Syrian celebrations, enforcing new visa restrictions for Syrians entering the country.

An Egyptian intelligence-affiliated television channel unveiled a propaganda video featuring President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in which he expressed concerns over the situation in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad’s regime faced significant challenges. Sisi asserted that unnamed groups aim to replicate Syria’s devastation in Egypt, emphasizing that the destabilization of Egypt would lead to widespread chaos globally. He reassured viewers of his commitment to safeguard national security and protect the Egyptian populace from external threats, stating that Egypt’s unity would prevent any similar fate to that of Syria.

Following Assad’s fall on December 8, there were demonstrations among Syrian refugees in Egypt, celebrating this political shift. However, these gatherings were swiftly disrupted by Egyptian security officials, leading to the detention of numerous Syrians. Furthermore, there are reports indicating that new visa regulations have been implemented, requiring Syrians with international visas to obtain an additional security permit for entry into Egypt. Sisi’s rhetoric underscores a complex narrative of national security amidst regional upheaval.

The context of this situation arises from the recent fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking a potential power shift after over five decades of authoritarian rule by his family. President Sisi, aware of previous upheavals in the region, has taken to using propaganda as a means to assert his administration’s stability in Egypt. By associating the unrest in Syria with possible threats to Egypt’s national integrity, Sisi aims to reinforce governmental control and mitigate public dissent, particularly against a backdrop of changing geopolitical dynamics.

In summary, President Sisi’s warnings regarding the implications of Assad’s ousting underscore his determination to maintain stability in Egypt. Through a propaganda video, Sisi has communicated that any effort to destabilize Egypt is a threat not only to national peace but global order as well. Furthermore, the crackdown on Syrian celebrations and new visa restrictions reflect the Egyptian government’s cautious approach towards the influx of Syrian nationals and the potential repercussions of the regional turmoil.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net