For the first time in Egypt, a Coptic woman appointed governor: Le Figaro

French media outlets have paid a special interest in Egypt’s latest governors’ reshuffle that included major changes in key governorates such as Cairo, Giza and Alexandria.

French newspapers deemed the reshuffle one of the most important decisions to be taken by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi following his re-election in March.

According to French daily Le Figaro, the new governors for 22 of the country's 27 governorates took their oath of office in front of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Aug. 30.

“The new governors, mostly army generals like their predecessors, have been appointed to key provinces of the country, such as North Sinai, a scene of a jihadist insurgency,” Le Figaro reported. “The armed forces have been conducting a massive campaign since February to eliminate Daesh (Islamic State) existence.”

The French daily also shed the light on the appointment of a Coptic woman as the governor of Damietta, for the first time in Egypt’s history; “For the first time, a Coptic woman, the largest Christian minority in the Middle East, Manal Awad Mikhail, has been appointed governor, in Damietta.”

The newspaper also pointed out in the Presidential statement that followed the reshuffle that Egypt is expecting more efforts, collective actions and dedication for further development in all fields.

It also referred to the cabinet reshuffle that took place in June and included key positions such as ministers of interior and defense, and the appointment of Major-General Abbas Kamel as director of General Intelligence.