CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued July 29 Law No. 165 of 2020, amending some provisions of the Law on Popular Defense Organizations No. 55 of 1968. Controversy arose in political and human rights circles due to the introduction of new articles, including one stipulating the appointment of a military adviser for each governorate as well as a number of assistants, appointed by the minister of defense.

The new law gives multiple powers to the military adviser, most notably attending the meetings of the People's Defense Council and the Executive Council for implementing the governorate’s plans, holding meetings with the governorate’s leaders, reporting to the Ministry of Defense and the relevant authorities, and delegating any of his duties to his assistants.

The People’s Defense Council has representatives in all ministries, governorates and civil authorities. The council is affiliated with the armed forces and tasked with protecting the state’s projects and promoting communication between the armed forces and the various civil authorities.

The Executive Council is established in all governorates and headed by the governor. Its members include parliamentarians and mayors, and its task revolves around monitoring the development projects of the governorates.