Egypt has appointed Hassan Rashad as the new head of its influential state intelligence agency, according to local media reports.
Rashad takes over from Abbas Kamel, a close ally of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who held the position since 2018. Kamel will now serve as a presidential advisor and envoy, as well as general coordinator of security services.
The leadership change comes as Egypt navigates increasing regional conflicts. Despite ongoing mediation efforts with Qatar and the US, Egypt has been unable to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza war, which has spread into Lebanon.
Additionally, Egypt faces a severe refugee crisis due to the war in Sudan, which has displaced over 400,000 people into its borders. Further south, Egypt is locked in a geopolitical rivalry with Ethiopia, reshaping regional alliances.
Rashad, formerly Kamel’s deputy, is set to lead efforts on these critical fronts. State-aligned media, Extra News, confirmed his appointment, highlighting Egypt’s shifting priorities in the face of mounting regional instability.
