The Egyptian Armed Forces ordered the summoning of former chief of staff Sami Anan on charges of incitement between the military and the Egyptian people.
According to the video statement by the military, Anan is accused of running for an election without the approval of the armed forces. The statement said that Anan is considered to be a reservist, hence cannot be engaged in civilian practices such as running for president in an election. In Egypt, military personnel cannot participate in electoral procedures.
It also accused the would-be candidate of inciting against the armed forces with the aim of creating disputes between the military and the great people of Egypt.” In the video in which he announced his intention to run for the presidency, Anan called upon the armed forces to remain unbiased.
The general was forced into retirement by Islamist former president Mohamed Morsi in 2012. He was chief of staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces from 2005 until Morsi dismissed him, along with then-head of the military Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, on 12 August 2012.
Anan’s candidacy had drawn criticism from pro-state figures and media, accusing him of being the candidate of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood group.
The official page of his campaign said that Anan was arrested, to be sent to military prosecution for interrogation. His campaign also said that it will halt all activities for the safety of its members.
In the same context, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi underwent a medical examination as he is preparing to present his candidacy to the National Electoral Commission, according to state media.
