Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to security and stability on Saturday as he attended celebrations marking the 74th anniversary of Police Day, against what he described as an increasingly volatile global backdrop marked by conflict and competition over resources and influence.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Police Academy’s conference complex in New Cairo, President El-Sisi said the commemoration comes at a time when the world is “rife with conflicts on land, resources and power,” warning that unprecedented challenges are shaking states and draining the capabilities of peoples across regions.
“In the face of all this, I renew my affirmation that the earth has room for everyone,” the president said, adding that divine religions and universal human values reject the “brutal practices” witnessed in today’s world.
President El-Sisi stressed that Egypt, supported by its armed forces, civilian police, state institutions and what he described as the awareness of its people, would remain “a solid fortress against instability and an oasis of security and stability.” He also highlighted Egypt’s role as a host country for millions of migrants and refugees, saying it would continue to act as a barrier against irregular migration without turning the issue into “a bargaining chip at the expense of humanity.”
The president reiterated Egypt’s longstanding position rejecting violence, defending peace, and opposing the seizure of other nations’ resources, framing these principles as part of the country’s historical role in the region.
Earlier in the day, President El-Sisi arrived at the Police Academy to ceremonial honors, including the playing of the national anthem and a guard of honor. He laid a wreath at the academy’s memorial, paying tribute to police officers who died in the line of duty. During the ceremony, he also honored families of fallen police officers and senior security officials in recognition of their sacrifices.
The event included artistic performances, most notably the operetta “A Nation’s Story,” featuring well-known Egyptian singers Reham Abdel Hakim, Nesma Mahgoub and Carmen Suleiman. The production traced key chapters of Egypt’s modern history and highlighted the role of security institutions in preserving state stability.
Police Day, observed annually on January 25, commemorates the 1952 Battle of Ismailia, when Egyptian police forces confronted British troops, resulting in the deaths of 50 policemen and injuries to more than 80 others. The clash became a symbol of resistance and is widely seen as a catalyst for the nationalist movement that culminated in the 1952 revolution.
Over the decades, the anniversary has evolved into a national occasion emphasizing the relationship between citizens and law enforcement, as well as the Interior Ministry’s role in confronting security threats ranging from political unrest to terrorism. In recent years, official narratives have increasingly highlighted modernization, training reforms and technological development within the police force.
The January 25 date also carries layered political significance due to its association with the 2011 uprising. State-led commemorations in recent years have focused primarily on the historical roots of Police Day, presenting it as a symbol of sacrifice, sovereignty and institutional resilience.
As regional conflicts, economic pressures and migration challenges continue to shape the Middle East, the annual Police Day celebration remains a platform for Egypt’s leadership to underscore its security priorities and its vision of national stability anchored in strong state institutions.
