The head of the Egyptian Armed Forces has cancelled the broadcast of popular Ramadan soap operas tonight to boost turnout for street demonstrations he has called to support the military’s “war on terrorism”.

General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued his demand to private television stations yesterday after calling for Egyptians to demonstrate in support of how the Army has dealt with violence since Mohammed Morsi, of the Muslim Brotherhood, was ousted as President.

His call for a “mandate” from the streets appears to be at odds with his promise to defer to the civilian leaders of the military-backed interim government. It may also herald suppression of the Brotherhood, which would deepen political divisions.

The Brotherhood and its Islamist allies said that the call was “an announcement