'Union of Arab Tribes': Will Sinai Become a New Militia Territory?

In the arid expanse of North Sinai, a gathering of significant proportions took place in the village now known as Sisi City, formerly el-Ajra.

Amidst a fleet of Cruise SUVs and a heavily armed contingent beyond the usual military and police forces, a notable assembly of public figures, legislators, and tribal leaders convened to herald the formation of the “Union of Arab Tribes.”

The inauguration of this union on May 1, 2024, which bestowed honorary presidency upon Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and appointed businessman Ibrahim al-Argany, known for his close ties with the regime, as its executive president, has ignited widespread debate.

The grandiose display by the Union’s president and his tribe’s members, both preceding and following the ceremony, coupled with their formidable arsenal and economic might, has raised eyebrows and concerns alike.

Meteoric Rise

Ibrahim al-Argany’s meteoric rise to prominence and proximity to the current administration over the past five years has been marked by a media portrayal marred by his brokerage activities, which have been criticized for exploiting the plight of Gazans and leveraging the Rafah crossing for personal gain, devoid of ethical or humanitarian considerations.

This has prompted the public to question his identity, background, and the forces propelling his ascent.

The Union, as described in its official communiqué and through concerted efforts to burnish its image, stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in Egyptian history — an armed organization of this magnitude operating independently of the established security apparatus, encompassing both military and police divisions.

Comprising roughly 25 tribes from across Egypt’s diverse governorates, particularly the border regions of Sinai in the east and Matrouh in the west, as well as southern provinces, the Union’s reach extends beyond Egypt’s borders into Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and beyond.

Among its ranks is the Tarabin tribe, the most expansive in both Sinai and the Arab world, with a diaspora spanning the Negev, the Sinai Peninsula, and across three nations: Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt, totaling over 2.6 million individuals.

The Union also includes other prominent North Sinai tribes such as the Sawarka, al-Masa’id, al-Sama’na, al-Saadi, al-Ayida, and many others, some with branches reaching into neighboring countries.

The Union’s claimed objective is to forge a national popular framework that unites Arab tribes under a single banner, bolstering the national state’s foundations and addressing threats to its security and stability.

It pledges an unwavering commitment to national causes and collaboration with Arab tribes to align with state policies and support President el-Sisi’s vision.

The founding declaration, articulated by a journalist allied with Sisi and the Union’s spokesperson, underscores the Union’s allegiance to the president in safeguarding Egypt’s national security and engaging with his initiative to counteract the so-called “generation wars” aimed at sowing discord.

The tribal leaders have vowed solidarity with the president in facing challenges and conspiracies, and in advancing the “New Republic” project.

'National Guard'

Furthermore, the Union has expressed its dedication to championing national issues, liaising with Arab tribes to find common ground within the state’s framework, and backing Sisi against any plans that might undermine the Palestinian cause or Egypt’s steadfast position in favor of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

The constitutional legality of such an entity, particularly one with substantial financial and military resources, has come under scrutiny.

The Egyptian Constitution, with its amendments, contains provisions that outlaw tribalism and sectarianism, as well as the unauthorized bearing of arms.

Article 53 enshrines the principle of equal citizenship and prohibits discrimination, while Article 73 forbids the public display of weapons, reserving the right to peaceful assembly without arms, subject to legal notification.

Egypt’s ruling authorities have consistently opposed the arming of any group outside the official security institutions, emphasizing the need to maintain state sovereignty and ensure security and stability.

But under the auspices of the armed forces, this entity was envisioned as a "National Guard" to assist in combating armed organizations in North Sinai’s challenging terrain.

The state enlisted the support of the Rumailat, Sawarka, and Tarabin tribes, arming them to confront these elements.

Over the years, the Union has served as a pivotal instrument for the government, targeting local groups through intelligence and direct action alongside the army.

Sheikh Ali Freij, head of the Council of Arab Tribal Senates, lauded the thousands of "volunteers" who joined the Union, "contributing to the eradication of terrorism from Sinai."

Basel Reda, an Egyptian political analyst, said that the Union’s influence has grown significantly, with its president becoming a prominent figure closely associated with President Sisi, the regime, and security forces.

“The Union now stands as a formidable force, extending its reach across Sinai,” Reda said to Al-Estiklal.

Questions arise about the substantial funding required to sustain such a large entity, armed with the latest weaponry and demonstrating significant organizational capabilities.

“The financial backbone appears to be the al-Arjani Group, a conglomerate owned by the rapidly ascending businessman, which partners with sovereign and military institutions. This group has reportedly generated substantial revenues from transit fees at the Rafah crossing since the onset of the Gaza War,” Reda added.

Economic Empire

The al-Arjani Group encompasses a diverse portfolio, including real estate, tourism, agricultural development, and energy, with ties to the military and control over significant economic sectors.

Reports suggest that al-Arjani’s financial empire is intertwined with senior businessmen and major companies, positioning him to secure significant projects, particularly those under military control.

A heated debate has erupted on social media, with some labeling the Union as a militia, drawing parallels with similar entities in Sudan and Russia.

Others, including journalist and MP Mustafa Bakri, vehemently refute this characterization, insisting it is an extension of the armed forces.

Amidst this contention, concerns mount over the potential implications of such a force on the state and its citizens, prompting a cautious examination of historical precedents in the region.

“A significant concern is the anticipated role of these armed groups as instruments of the state, executing operations outside the bounds of legal oversight — tasks that the formal institutions of the army and police prefer not to undertake directly to avoid potential repercussions,” Reda noted.

Moreover, there is apprehension that these armed factions might be deployed to bolster the government against the will of the people, potentially intervening in demonstrations, protests, and elections.

According to Reda, they could act as punitive forces against dissenters, reminiscent of the tactics employed during the January Revolution and subsequent events where coercion was a dominant force.

Additionally, there is the risk that these militias could assume a role similar to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, tasked with safeguarding the ruling regime during crises, whether against other state elements or popular dissent.

“This is a particularly concerning prospect given the current administration’s lack of widespread political support and the mounting public frustration over the state’s mismanagement and the deteriorating living standards,” Reda concluded.