Egyptian Minister of Defense Mohamed Zaki affirmed Thursday that the armed forces are fully aware of the risks and challenges facing the country.
Zaki, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, stressed the importance of self-discipline and maintaining combat readiness.
The Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf said that it dedicated Friday’s unified sermon at Egyptian mosques to combat rumours. Minister of Endowments Mohammed Mokhtar Jomaa asserted that the sermons aim to build national awareness, to face extremist thoughts and to foster coexistence.
This came as Mohammed Ali, an Egyptian actor and contractor residing in Spain, called for anti-regime protests in Egypt. Lawmakers intend to hold pro-government sit-ins to counter his call.
Last Friday and Saturday, Egypt witnessed rare and limited protests in some cities. The State Information Service called on international media to abide by “professional codes.”
A source from Awqaf told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Friday’s sermon will urge people to verify news before spreading them.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has on many occasions called for confronting extremist thoughts, the last of which was at the eighth National Youth Conference two weeks ago.
During the session on the local and regional experience of combating terrorism, Sisi affirmed that religious rhetoric should be on par with current times.
