Updated

Egypt's powerful military chief is launching a housing initiative to build a million homes for the poor, in the first campaign-style move by Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who is widely expected to run for president.

El-Sissi hasn't made an official announcement yet, but has strongly indicated he would run. The elections expected in April are the first since the military ousted elected Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in July following mass protests against him.

The housing initiative was announced Sunday on the official Facebook page of Egypt's military spokesman. It only said the million homes are dedicated to "Egypt's youth" and are a first step to solve the country's housing problem.

Senior generals close to el-Sissi have told The Associated Press he is focusing on the country's myriad of economic problems.