Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has declared that he will leave office when his current presidential term ends in 2030, ruling out further changes to the constitution to extend his stay in power.

Sisi made the announcement on Saturday while addressing graduates and government officials in Egypt’s new administrative city, east of Cairo. He described his departure at the end of the term as a settled decision and said the constitution would remain unchanged.

The 71-year-old leader also indicated that the remaining years of his administration would be used to prepare a new generation of leaders to take responsibility for the country’s future.

Sisi, a former army general, assumed the presidency in 2014. He was initially expected to serve a maximum of two four-year terms, but constitutional amendments approved in a 2019 referendum extended presidential terms to six years and introduced provisions that allowed him to remain in office until 2030.

The changes had fuelled speculation among opposition figures and critics that further amendments could be pursued to enable him to continue beyond the current deadline.

During his 12 years in office, Sisi has overseen major government-led infrastructure projects, including the development of a new administrative capital. However, critics have questioned the financial cost of the projects, citing Egypt’s rising debt burden and reliance on borrowing.

His administration has also faced criticism from human rights organisations over restrictions on political opposition, civil society groups and freedom of expression. The government has maintained that its policies are necessary to protect national security and preserve stability.

Sisi’s latest statement provides an indication of his intended political timeline as Egypt approaches the end of his current term in 2030.