Thousands at Galaa Square celebrate Sisi’s announcement to run for president

CAIRO - 2 October 2023: Galaa square in the heart of Cairo lit up with fireworks after President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced he would partake in the presidential race Monday.

Tahya Misr (long live Egypt) chants and ululations filled the square. Many demonstrators raised pictures of Sisi and signs that read “keep going, Mr. President.”

Thousands of faculty members and students at Cairo University, representatives of trade unions, representatives of political parties, and members of the House of Representatives and Senate in Giza Governorate participated in the marches to Galaa Square.

“We are all with you,” “together to continue development,” “together to keep building Egypt,” are all banners that were erected by people who took to street in support of Sisi. 

People wearing Long Live Egypt T-shirts were also spotted, while songs were blasted from speakers with people dancing to them. 

If he wins, Sisi would serve a third term until 2030.