Egypt's House of Representatives approved on Thursday President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's decree extending the country's state of emergency for three more months, effective as of 24 January. The state of emergency, which has been in effect since 2017, has been extended on the grounds of fighting terrorism, implementing development programs in a stable climate, and containing the coronavirus crisis. According to the House of Representatives' internal bylaws, the majority of lawmakers must approve the declaration of the state of emergency for a period not exceeding three months. Under the same article, a state of emergency shall not be extended except for another similar period after the approval of two-thirds of the House members. The first article of the decree states that the extension of the state of emergency countrywide — for a period of three months — will go into effect as of 1pm on 24 January. According to the decree published in the official gazette, the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Police Authority are taking the necessary measures to confront the dangers of terrorism and its financing, maintain security nationwide, protect public and private properties, and preserve the lives of citizens. The state of emergency was declared for the first time in May 2017 by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, when two churches were bombed in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria on Palm Sunday, killing 47 people.
