Anan declares he will not run in presidential elections

Former chief of staff Sami Anan declared in a press conference Thursday that he would not run in the upcoming presidential elections.

The former military leader said that he had made the decision with full knowledge of the dangers and “conspiracies” surrounding the Egyptian state and the military institution.

“I do not want to be part of a conspiracy to harm the Armed Forces," Anan said, indirectly referring to changes in the military institution to prepare for the potential candidacy of Defence Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Anan said that the decision was his own, with no pressure from anyone else, referring to speculation there may have been influence from Sisi or his supporters.

Journalist and Sisi supporter Mostafa Bakry appeared next to Anan during the press conference.

Anan’s presidential campaign issued an official statement on Monday saying he had been subject to a failed attempt on his life. Anan was allegedly leaving his office when the building’s guard saw the driver of a white taxi speaking on a telephone, saying, “He moved and took a right turn,” the statement said.

Anan and his driver then noticed that they were being followed by two cars, the statement continued.

The campaign maintained Anan would not be terrified by such attempts and that his “strong will” would win out, adding that the authorities have a responsibility to protect Anan, his family and his associates.

However, Hany Abdel Latif, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, told privately owned satellite channel CBC that there was no evidence of such an attempt.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Spokesperson Ahmed Mohamed Ali denied Al-Masry Al-Youm’s earlier report that the engineering sector of the Armed Forces would be supervising the presidential campaign of Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Ali added that the sector is part of the Armed Forces and has specific responsibilities that have nothing to do with politics.

The military spokesperson maintained that, if Sisi were to run, it would be a personal decision that has nothing to do with the Armed Forces. He also asked that media outlets refrain from publishing rumors to get back at the “reputable organization” of the Armed Forces.”