The Legacy of Authoritarian Leadership in North Africa: A Closer Look at Egypt's Sisi

In the countries of North Africa, from Tunisia to Egypt, a common theme emerges in the governance of their leaders. Whether it is Kaïs Saïed in Tunisia or Abdel Fattah al-Sissi in Egypt, these leaders have utilized tactics such as populism, conspiracy theories, and authoritarianism to maintain their power and shape their narratives.

Kaïs Saïed, the President of Tunisia, has employed conspiracy theories as a cornerstone of his governance. He uses these theories to explain the economic, health, and migration crises in the country. Saïed blames speculators and smugglers for the economic crisis and claims that there are people plotting to kill him. Additionally, he targets political opponents and sub-Saharan migrants using conspiracy theories. This approach allows Saïed to maintain social peace while consolidating his authoritarian power and challenging the liberal progress made since the revolution.

Similarly, in Egypt, a lineage of leaders has emerged, from Gamal Abdel Nasser to Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. These leaders have predominantly come from military backgrounds and have shaped the country's political landscape. While Anwar Sadat stands as an exception, the majority of these leaders have maintained their popularity through a combination of authoritarian rule and nationalist rhetoric. Each leader has left their own unique legacy, with differences in foreign policy and economic management. However, they have all faced challenges, including economic crises and social tensions, under their respective reigns.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the current President of Egypt, has been criticized for his authoritarian rule and crackdown on opposition. He has focused on state- and army-run mega-projects and development schemes, including the $58 billion New Administrative Capital. Sisi has been accused of leading Egypt deeper into authoritarianism than his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak. Hundreds of supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood have been sentenced to death since Sisi deposed their leader Mohamed Mursi. Sisi has denied the existence of political prisoners and emphasized the importance of stability and security. He has implemented economic reforms and infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy and address population growth. Sisi has also established ties with African countries, China, Russia, and Gulf Arab states. However, he has faced criticism from the international community for his human rights record.

The governance of Kaïs Saïed in Tunisia and the lineage of leaders in Egypt exemplify the common theme of authoritarian leadership in North Africa. These leaders have utilized tactics such as populism, conspiracy theories, and authoritarianism to maintain their power and shape their narratives. While their approaches may differ, the consequences of their governance have had a lasting impact on their countries.

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