Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has appointed Major General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad as the new head of the General Intelligence Agency, following the reassignment of outgoing chief Abbas Kamel to an advisory role in the presidency.
The intelligence agency plays a critical role in Egypt’s foreign policy, particularly in addressing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya, as well as in managing domestic security issues related to political dissent.
Rashad, who previously served as Kamel’s deputy, has already been involved in key matters, including improving relations between Egypt and Iran, according to security sources. The extent of the impact this leadership change will have is unclear, but Kamel, a trusted advisor of Sisi, has been heavily relied upon in high-level diplomatic affairs. Appointed to lead the intelligence agency in 2018, Kamel previously worked in military intelligence and served as director of Sisi’s office.
Kamel’s recent health issues have reportedly prompted him to seek a reduction in his workload. While other officials have been handling stalled ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, Kamel continued to oversee these efforts.
Rashad, a graduate of Cairo’s Military Technical College, was sworn in during a ceremony with President Sisi, marking his new position in Egypt’s intelligence leadership.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
