Sisi arrives at court for the ceremony

President elect Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived at the constitutional court at 10.30 am on Sunday morning for his inauguration ceremony. He was seated next to outgoing president Adly Mansour, among members of the Supreme Constitutional Court. 

Blocked streets, heightened security and embellished buildings mark the day of the inauguration of President-elect Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Minister of Interior Mohamed Ibrahim arrived at the constitutional court on Sunday morning to oversee the securing of the area. Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb, outgoing President Adly Mansour and other ministers also arrived at the court on Sunday morning to attend the inauguration.

The Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday night that the Nile Cornish, where the Constitutional Court building is situated would be blocked from 8.30 am to 12 pm to secure the inauguration ceremony.

On Sunday morning, the streets of Cairo were empty in anticipation of the event. A heightened security presence was witnessed in Tahrir Street and other parts of the city, and helicopters flew over the iconic square, which has been closed off to traffic since Saturday.

Traffic authorities made announcements on television regarding the closing of several roads and bridges since Saturday night, advising citizens to avoid the periphery of Ettehadiya and Qobba palaces and the constitutional court.

The Supreme Constitutional Court building was seen on Sunday with red carpets rolled out to receive the soon to be president.

Following his oath in the constitutional court, Sisi is expected to go to the presidential palace in Ettehadiya for a lunch feast to which presidents and kings of several countries have been invited.

At Ettehadiya palace, interim president Adly Mansour will give a speech followed by Sisi’s first presidential address.

In the evening, a celebration will take place at Qobba Presidential Palace. Renovations around the palace have been seen during the days leading up to the celebration, including the painting of its walls and paving of the surrounding streets.