Egypt: Authorities extend security-related State of Emergency through April 21 /update 4

Event

A presidential decree has extended the nationwide State of Emergency (SoE) in Egypt through at least April 21. The SoE declaration allows for increased deployment of security personnel, monitoring and censorship of online communications, and additional powers to arrest and imprison those suspected of having intentions to harm national security.

Heightened security will likely continue near potential terrorist targets - including government and military installations, tourist venues, and Coptic Christian places of worship. Police may establish checkpoints and roadblocks near such locations, likely prompting associated ground transport disruptions in their vicinity.

Context

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will likely extend the nationwide SoE repeatedly for the foreseeable future, as militancy remains a threat throughout the country. This is the 13th time El-Sisi extended the SoE since it was first implemented in April 2017 after Islamic State (IS) militants targeted churches in Alexandria and Tanta in twin bombings. Counterterrorism efforts have remained a primary concern following the initial implementation of the law. In February 2018, el-Sisi announced the launch of a large-scale military operation dubbed "Operation Sinai 2018," which aims to eradicate militancy. The announcement follows the expiration of a three-month deadline that the president had imposed to eliminate militancy in the Sinai Peninsula after an attack on a Sufi mosque in Bir el-Abed in November 2017 that left more than 300 people dead.

Advice

Follow the instructions of security personnel; be courteous and nonconfrontational. Ensure travel documents are available at all times. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.