Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has spoken to the House of Representatives, seeking the government’s acceptance of an additional three month extension to the nationwide state of emergency.
Speaking to parliament on Sunday, Madbouly called upon Members of Parliament (MPs) to approve the decision which has been in effect since 1am on 28 April.
The decision was taken in accordance with decree number 168 for 2020 by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who accounted for the decision as due to the “serious security and health conditions” in the country.
Madbouly stressed that the resolution will be applied to ensure national security, whilst respecting public freedoms at the same time.
Madbouly said that Egypt has been affected by the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The government, however, has put in place a range of measures that have helped decrease infections and ensure the further spread of the virus is curbed.
He also said that his government is approaching the crisis scientifically and in accordance with the guidelines set out by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Madbouly added that the Egyptian people maintain their confidence in the Armed Forces in their war against terrorism. He sent condolences to the families of military personnel who were killed in a Thursday terrorist attack in Sinai.
