President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has officially opened the Octagon, a large state command headquarters located in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital east of Cairo. During the ceremony, the Egyptian leader said the new complex represents the country’s determination to strengthen national security, continue development, and prepare for future challenges.
The Octagon will serve as Egypt’s national command center. According to President El Sisi, the facility is designed to help state institutions respond quickly to security threats, emergencies, and other major national events. He described the building as an important part of what his government calls the “New Republic,” a term used to describe the country’s political and economic transformation since he took office in 2013.
President El Sisi appeared at the ceremony wearing a field marshal’s military uniform and sunglasses. It was the first time in more than ten years that the former army officer had appeared publicly in military uniform. His appearance came as Egypt continues to face regional security concerns linked to conflicts in neighboring countries.
In his speech, El Sisi praised Egypt’s role as a leading power in the Middle East and North Africa. He said the country has one of the region’s largest armed forces and plays an important role in regional diplomacy. He pointed to Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel as an example of the country’s long-standing efforts to support regional stability.
The president also highlighted Egypt’s diplomatic efforts in recent conflicts. He said the country worked with regional partners to help mediate a ceasefire in Gaza and took part in international efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East. Egyptian officials have often positioned the country as a mediator in regional disputes because of its geographic location and diplomatic ties.
El Sisi pledged to continue building what he described as a modern Egyptian state. He acknowledged that many citizens face economic difficulties as the country continues with economic reforms. Rising prices and higher living costs have placed financial pressure on many families in recent years.
The president said improving living standards remains one of the government’s main goals. He told citizens that reducing hardship and supporting economic growth are priorities when major decisions are made.
The Octagon is located in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, a massive development project built in the desert east of Cairo. The city has been designed to house government ministries, parliament, the presidential palace, diplomatic offices, and other state institutions. Egyptian officials say the new capital is intended to reduce congestion in Cairo while providing modern infrastructure for government operations.
El Sisi said placing the command headquarters in the new capital was a strategic decision. He explained that the location would help protect important state institutions and reduce the risk of disruptions during periods of political unrest. He referred to events in 2013, when protests and demonstrations surrounded several government buildings in Cairo.
The Egyptian president repeated his strong opposition to political Islam and defended the government’s security policies introduced after the removal of former President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Since then, Egyptian authorities have carried out a broad crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in the country. Thousands of its members have been arrested, along with a number of political activists from other groups.
El Sisi also reflected on the 2011 uprising that led to the end of Hosni Mubarak’s three-decade rule. He said the events created serious economic and security challenges for Egypt and argued that the country has worked to restore stability since then.
The opening of the Octagon marks another major milestone in Egypt’s effort to expand its New Administrative Capital and modernize state institutions. While the government views the project as a symbol of national progress and stronger security, economic reforms and rising living costs remain important issues for many Egyptians as the country continues its development plans.
