Why is Egypt Building a New Capital City?
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Egypt’s decision in March 2015 to construct the New Administrative Capital (NAC) appears to be deeply linked with the nation’s political trajectory following its 2013 political crisis. This essay explores how the NAC serves as a tool for consolidating power, suppressing dissent, and gaining legitimacy and international prestige under the current President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The 2013 political crisis, which was marked by the military’s removal of former President, Mohamed Morsi, led to widespread political unrest and the repression of Egyptian citizens, this is with reference to the U.S. Department of State’s 2013 Human Rights Report on Egypt. The NAC emerges as more than just a mere urban development project, as it symbolises El-Sisi’s government’s effort to gain complete control over Egypt. By relocating government ministries from Cairo, El-Sisi’s regime reduces any chances for any public demonstrations against his government. The NAC is a controlled city, strengthening the Egyptian government’s power. Aside from playing the role of an opposition suppressor, the NAC represents El-Sisi’s strategy of authoritarian consolidation. El-Sisi and his government have promised economic growth and efficiency for Egypt through the NAC, but through a calculated plan, ensuring that they remain unchallenged by the Egyptian people. The NAC is pivotal in El-Sisi’s quest for legitimacy and international prestige. This ongoing revolutionary and innovative mega-project allows El-Sisi and his government to attract FDI from foreign countries and companies and gain diplomatic recognition. However, the NAC project raises concerns about its long-term sustainability and the exclusion of Egyptian citizens. Consequently, it appears that El-Sisi and his government are leveraging the NAC to consolidate power, suppress dissent, obtain legitimacy and gain international prestige.
Author: Tachang, Joseph Ndangoh
Institution: University of Greenwich
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7093362720
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