KEY POINTS
- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi appoints Major General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad as head of Egypt’s general intelligence agency.
- Rashad takes over from Abbas Kamel, who will serve as an adviser to the presidency.
- Rashad previously managed critical files, including Egypt’s relations with Iran and security matters in the region
Abbas Kamel, the departing director of Egypt’s formidable general intelligence agency, has been replaced by Major General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, who was nominated by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
After years of heading the intelligence agency and overseeing important global and domestic security issues, Kamel will now take on the job of adviser to the president.
Leadership transition in Egyptian intelligence
Former Kamel deputy Major General Rashad has been given access to some of the agency’s most private documents, such as Egypt’s diplomatic relations with Iran.
According to security sources, his nomination comes after Kamel asked to have his workload reduced because of health issues. It is unknown how this leadership transition would impact Egypt’s foreign policy and internal security policies, but it does portend a possible change in how the government runs its intelligence activities.
Since 2018, Abbas Kamel has played a pivotal position in Egypt’s intelligence agency, acting as a trusted advisor to President Sisi and mediating crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya, among other areas of foreign diplomacy.
As the face of Egyptian diplomacy, Kamel has frequently represented Egypt in high-level negotiations and served as an envoy abroad.
Impact on foreign policy and security matters
Due to his prior position as Kamel’s deputy, Rashad’s appointment might provide continuity, but his leadership may also bring fresh tactics.
According to Reuters, during his time there, Kamel helped mediate tensions in Sudan, negotiate ceasefires in the Gaza conflict, and handle security issues pertaining to Egypt’s borders with Libya.
Along with the difficulties of upholding Egypt’s strategic partnerships and managing the political stability of the nation, Rashad now takes on these duties.
Rashad is regarded as a reliable individual in Egypt’s military and political circles since he graduated from Cairo’s Military Technical College, which has long been a breeding ground for Egypt’s intelligence officers.
President Sisi’s emphasis on military-trained professionals for important positions in the administration is reflected in his promotion to the top intelligence position.
