A sit-in conducted by Bedouins in South Sinai entered its 25th consecutive day on Wednesday. They demand genuine reforms regarding efforts to stop drug cultivation, job opportunities and an end to their marginalization.
After being ignored by officials, the demonstrators called for a mass demonstration outside the St. Catherine City Council.
The protesters headed on Wednesday to the St. Catherine City Council to demand the governor’s resignation. They accuse him of offending them.
Sheikh Ahmed Hussein, a cleric, told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the protesters are preparing for a popular demonstration with the participation of monks from the St. Catherine Monastery. He said they called on all civil society organizations and Tahrir Square protesters to support their cause.
The protesters are demanding the dismissal of South Sinai Governor Khalid Fouda and Security Director Mohamed Naguib. They also demand social justice and the release of prisoners.
Meanwhile, Fouda said he was willing to meet with protesters to discuss their demands.
Fouda denied offending a Bedouin youth who came asking for a job, as reported in the media.
Fouda said he had planned to meet with the protesters, but a security agency warned him of the protesters’ wrath and had therefore chosen to wait until the situation calmed down.
Fouda said he would form an advisory council for Bedouin tribes, and it would include two young men from each tribe.
He noted that the governorate had set up centers to train Bedouin youth in practical trades. He added that 1200 youth had already signed up, and that training would begin early January.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
