Egypt: Sisi Considers Military Courts for Price Gouging, Warns on Regional Conflict

Cairo – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has directed officials to explore the possibility of referring individuals accused of manipulating commodity prices to military courts, a move signaling heightened concern over economic stability amid escalating regional tensions. The instruction, delivered during an Iftar event at the Egyptian Military Academy on March 6, 2026, reflects a growing anxiety within the Egyptian government regarding potential economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the potential for opportunistic price gouging.

A Response to Regional Instability

Sisi framed the current economic climate as a “state of near-emergency,” emphasizing the need to protect citizens from exploitation. His remarks came as tensions continue to rise in the region, with ongoing conflicts and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Egypt, historically a key player in regional diplomacy, has been actively involved in mediation efforts to de-escalate the situation, recognizing the potential for widespread instability. Sisi stated that Egypt had been keen to prevent the current escalation, noting that wars bring “ruin, destruction, and damage to the interests and capabilities of peoples.” He confirmed Egypt’s continued “sincere and honest” mediation efforts, warning that a prolonged conflict would come at a “heavy price.”

The president’s warning extends beyond simply addressing the symptoms of economic strain. He urged citizens to exercise “responsibility and understanding based on study and facts,” suggesting a call for informed public discourse and a rejection of panic buying or speculation. This emphasis on public awareness underscores the government’s attempt to manage expectations and maintain social order during a period of heightened vulnerability. The move to potentially involve military courts in economic crimes is an unusual step, signaling the severity with which the government views the threat to economic stability.

The Role of Military Courts in Civilian Affairs

The prospect of trying civilians in military courts raises legal and human rights concerns. Although Egypt’s constitution allows for the referral of civilians to military courts in certain cases, typically involving crimes that threaten national security, extending this jurisdiction to economic offenses is a significant departure from established practice. Critics argue that military courts lack the guarantees of due process found in civilian courts, potentially leading to unfair trials and disproportionate punishments.

The apply of military courts in Egypt has been a contentious issue since the 2011 revolution. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of civilians being tried in military courts for political offenses, raising concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the suppression of dissent. Human Rights Watch’s reporting on Egypt details these concerns extensively. The potential expansion of military court jurisdiction to economic crimes could further exacerbate these concerns, particularly if We see perceived as a tool to silence opposition or suppress legitimate economic activity.

Sisi’s Domestic Agenda and the Military Academy

The Iftar event at the Egyptian Military Academy provided a platform for Sisi to highlight the institution’s role in national development. He emphasized that the academy’s primary objective is the “building of the human,” focusing on cultivating a new generation of leaders equipped with the skills and values necessary to address Egypt’s challenges. The academy currently hosts approximately 8,000 students and is presented as a parallel educational experiment to traditional schooling. Sisi similarly noted the academy’s involvement in training teachers for deployment in schools, underscoring its broader role in shaping Egypt’s educational landscape.

The president stressed that the selection process for the academy is based strictly on competence and merit, with no room for “favouritism or discrimination.” This emphasis on meritocracy aligns with Sisi’s broader efforts to promote great governance and transparency within state institutions. The academy’s curriculum, developed in consultation with specialists in sociology and psychology, aims to foster a sense of national unity and civic responsibility among its students.

Regional Implications and Economic Vulnerabilities

Egypt’s economic vulnerability is inextricably linked to regional stability. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a significant threat to Egypt’s energy security, tourism industry, and trade routes. Escalating tensions could disrupt oil supplies, drive up energy prices, and deter foreign investment, all of which would have a detrimental impact on the Egyptian economy. The Suez Canal, a vital waterway for global trade, is particularly vulnerable to disruption in the event of a wider regional conflict. Any closure or disruption of the canal would have severe consequences for Egypt’s revenue and for global supply chains.

The potential for economic fallout is further compounded by Egypt’s existing economic challenges, including high levels of debt, inflation, and unemployment. The government has implemented a series of austerity measures in recent years, aimed at stabilizing the economy and attracting foreign investment, but these measures have also led to social unrest and increased hardship for many Egyptians. The government’s decision to consider military courts for price gougers reflects a desperate attempt to maintain economic control and prevent further deterioration of living standards.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed: President Sisi has instructed officials to study the feasibility of referring price manipulators to military courts. This instruction was delivered during a public event and has been widely reported by Egyptian media and international news outlets. Egypt is actively engaged in mediation efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Egyptian Military Academy is playing an expanded role in national development and education.

Unclear: The specific legal mechanisms for referring civilians to military courts for economic offenses remain undefined. It is unclear whether the government will ultimately decide to implement this measure, and if so, what criteria will be used to determine which cases are referred to military courts. The extent to which the regional conflict will impact the Egyptian economy is also uncertain, though the potential for negative consequences is significant. The precise nature of Egypt’s mediation efforts and the parties involved remain largely undisclosed.

Next Steps: A Legal and Diplomatic Calculus

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this situation. Egyptian legal experts are expected to review the constitutional and legal implications of referring civilians to military courts for economic crimes. This review will likely involve consultations with the judiciary and other stakeholders. Simultaneously, Egypt will continue its diplomatic efforts to mediate a resolution to the regional conflict, seeking to prevent further escalation and mitigate the potential economic consequences. The government will also be closely monitoring market conditions and taking steps to ensure the availability of essential goods at affordable prices. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on a complex interplay of domestic and international factors, and the situation remains fluid and unpredictable.