Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi administered the constitutional oath of office to Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher as Egypt’s new Minister of Defense and Military Production, replacing General Abdel Majeed Saqr as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening performance within key state institutions.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the presidential palace in Heliopolis, north-east Cairo, in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and other newly appointed ministers. The reshuffle, which includes 23 changes across ministries and senior government posts, reflects a strategic effort by the government to address pressing political, economic and security challenges facing the country.
Ashraf Salem Zaher’s appointment follows approval from the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, a constitutional prerequisite for naming the defense minister. Under Article 234 of the Egyptian Constitution, the president nominates the defense minister but can only issue the formal decree after consent from the council, which is chaired by the president and composed of senior military leaders.
Zaher, a long-serving military officer, succeeds General Saqr, who had held the post since July 2024. The leadership change has drawn significant attention both within Egypt and abroad, given the pivotal role of the defense ministry in national security and regional geopolitics.
A Military Career Focused on Training and Reform
Born into a military career, Ashraf Salem Zaher rose through the ranks of the Egyptian Armed Forces with a reputation for institutional training and professional development. Before his appointment as defense minister, he served as director of the Egyptian Military Academy, where he oversaw the preparation and qualification of new officers supported by modern training methodologies.
Outside the academy, Zaher also led the Military College and the office responsible for coordinating admissions to military colleges and institutions, positions that placed him at the forefront of shaping Egypt’s future military leadership. During his tenure in these roles, he was credited with updating curricula, integrating advanced scientific and technological disciplines, and expanding training programs to meet evolving defense needs.
In 2024, President Sisi elevated Zaher to the rank of lieutenant general in recognition of his contributions to military education and training. Observers note that his experience in institutional reform and professional military education aligns with Cairo’s broader goals of modernizing its armed forces amid shifting regional dynamics.
Analysts argue that placing a figure like Zaher, known for his emphasis on training and institutional development, at the helm of the defense ministry could support broader initiatives to professionalize the armed forces and align military priorities with national security objectives. As Egypt continues to navigate regional tensions and domestic economic pressures, the new leadership team will be closely watched for both its strategic direction and impact on governance.
