Article 234 of the constitution establishes a distinct constitutional mechanism for selecting the defence minister, requiring prior consent from the military’s highest governing body before a presidential decree can be issued.
It stipulates that “the minister of defence shall be appointed upon the approval of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.”
Under Article 201, the president serves as the supreme commander of the Armed Forces and oversees national defence policy. The president nominates the defence minister, but the appointment cannot proceed without approval from the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
Once the council approves, the president issues a formal decree appointing the minister.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, chaired by the president and composed of senior military commanders, plays a unique constitutional role in approving the defence minister, making this position distinct among cabinet posts.
Academic background
Born on 18 August 1968, Zaher graduated from the Air Defence College on 1 July 1989.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Military Sciences, having completed a Commanders Course, and is a fellow of the National Defence College.
Zaher also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Communications and Electrophysics) as well as a Master’s degree in National Strategy.
Key positions
He progressed through all commanding positions within the Air Defence branch until he was appointed Commander of Air Defense for the Western Military Zone.
Zaher was then appointed as director of the Military College, and later Director of the Egyptian Military Academy.
On 11 February, he took the constitutional oath before President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi as Minister of Defence and Military Production in the government of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, following approval by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
Decorations & medals
He holds several decorations and medals throughout his military career, including:
Military Duty First Class Decoration
Air Defence Forces Golden Jubilee Medal
July Revolution Golden Jubilee Medal
October Victory Silver Jubilee Medal
October Victory Golden Jubilee Medal
Sinai Liberation Silver Jubilee Medal
25th January Medal
30th June Medal
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