Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to begin third term in office

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to be sworn in for his third consecutive term in a ceremony taking place in the New Administrative Capital being constructed on the outskirts of Cairo.

The state-run newspaper Al-Ahram reported on Monday that the 69-year-old leader will officially start his new term on Wednesday, following a reelection victory where he secured 89.6% of the vote against three relatively unknown competitors.

A former army chief and Minister of Defense, Sisi first came to power after leading the military ousting of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, amid widespread protests. His ascent to the presidency marked a significant shift in Egypt's political landscape, with his administration focusing on stability and economic reforms but also facing criticism for its human rights record.

The upcoming term, which will last six years, is stipulated by the constitution to be his final one. 

Sisi's tenure has been characterized by a strong focus on infrastructure projects and economic stabilization efforts, including the development of the New Administrative Capital where the inauguration ceremony will take place.

This new city is a cornerstone of Sisi’s legacy, aiming to alleviate congestion in Cairo and create a modern hub for government and finance.

Sisi's overwhelming victory in the elections reflects his continued popularity among many Egyptians, who see his rule as a period of relative stability and development. However, his administration has also been marked by a crackdown on dissent, with critics pointing to restrictions on freedom of expression and the press.

As President Sisi embarks on his third and constitutionally final term, the international community and many Egyptians will be closely watching for signs of how he plans to address both ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Egypt.

These include further economic reforms, the human rights situation, and the role Egypt plays in regional stability and international relations.