Sisi warns against ‘war of lies’ on the military

Despite a war of rumors and lies aimed at destabilizing the Armed Forces, the military is determined to execute the road map to peace and democracy established after the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi, Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared on Thursday.

Sisi made the statements in a meeting with leaders of the western military zone and community leaders in Marsa Matrouh. He stressed that the army must not allow this damaging campaign of lies to weaken the military institution’s confidence or deter Egyptians from rebuilding the country.

The address is a reiteration of the nationalist rhetoric and conspiracy theories that have dominated Sisi’s speeches since he led the military in forcibly removing Morsi from office in July. Even though Adly Mansour was put in place as interim president, Sisi has been considered by the majority of Egyptians to be the effective leader of the country.

In his national addresses, Sisi has consistently asks Egyptians to keep their eyes open for the malicious schemes being plotted by Egypt’s enemies both inside and outside the country, and highlights the army’s role in deterring these enemies.

Similarly, in this address, Sisi asserted that the Egyptian army would never disappoint the people, and that it would protect the will of Egyptians. The Armed Forces chief reassured the people that the military is capable of making their hopes and dreams come true.

In a brief mention of the deposed President, Sisi said that Morsi is “a kind man,” but that he allowed the Muslim Brotherhood to rule Egypt.