عاجل مصر.. غـضـ.ـب وغلـيـ.ـان في بور سعيد

Summary

The transcript discusses the forced displacement of residents from poorer neighborhoods in Egypt like Al-Jamila in Port Said. This is part of the government's urban development plans, which aim to demolish informal areas and relocate people to build luxury compounds. Residents face losing their homes built over decades and protest this violates their rights. They demand negotiating with authorities, paying for the land, and participating in development - not forced eviction. With Egypt facing economic and social crises, thousands face risk of forced displacement under government policies favoring investors over poor citizens' rights.

Takeaways

• 📑 Port Said residents are angry over forced relocations from their homes in the Jamil district, initiated in March 2023 for development purposes, similar to previous forced displacements in other areas.
• 🛠 The forced displacement of the Jamil district's residents is compared to the forced relocation of 18,000 homes in Rafah and other regions, with promises to the displaced often turning out to be false.
• 🔥 There's widespread public outrage against the Port Said governor, accused of making arbitrary decisions and favoring developers over residents' rights, leading to a potential escalation of tensions.
• 📞 Social media and opposition voices criticize the government's approach to urban development, accusing it of prioritizing profit over people and engaging in corrupt practices.
• 📝 Residents of the Jamil district have been living there for 45 years, with official building permits, questioning the sudden decision to sell their land to investors for development projects.
• 🛡 The relocation orders are seen as part of a broader government strategy to seize valuable land for luxury developments, ignoring the rights and needs of the original inhabitants.
• 🛢 Locals are prepared to resist the forced relocation, viewing it as unconstitutional and a violation of their rights, and are willing to negotiate for fair solutions.
• 🚨 The situation in Port Said reflects a larger pattern of forced relocations in Egypt, targeting poor and marginalized communities for the benefit of wealthy investors and real estate interests.
• 📚 The Port Said governor's actions, including the Jamil district case, are criticized as symptomatic of a governance style that disregards legal and constitutional protections for citizens.
• 💰 The controversy underscores tensions between economic development initiatives and the preservation of community rights and stability, highlighting a need for more equitable policies.

Q & A

What was the reaction of the residents of El-Gemil neighborhood in Port Said to the governor's decision to evacuate them?

The residents were angry due to the governor's unilateral and arbitrary decision in March 2023 to evacuate them from their homes under the pretext of development. They felt it was similar to the forced evacuation of Rafah residents.

Why did the governor want to evacuate the residents of El-Gemil neighborhood?

The governor claimed he wanted to re-plan and develop the area. But according to residents, it was an attempt to seize their valuable land and sell it to real estate developers for profit.

How did the residents build their homes in El-Gemil neighborhood originally?

The residents said they received permits and plans from the governorate 45 years ago. They built the homes themselves and installed utilities privately.

What legal objections did the residents raise against the evacuation order?

They said it violates the constitution which prohibits forced evacuation of citizens. They are willing to pay for the land and participate in development without evacuation.

How did the governor try to justify the evacuation order?

He claimed it was based on directives from President El-Sisi and that he was one of El-Sisi's close associates. But residents accused him of lying.

How did some officials and members of parliament react to the governor's decision?

Some MPs criticized the governor for causing problems for Port Said residents. They asked people to submit complaints against the governor to El-Sisi's party.

What warning did some officials give about the potential reaction in Port Said?

They warned that growing anger against the governor could turn Port Said into a burning block that could spread unrest to other areas.

How did residents say they would respond if their homes were demolished?

They said they would resist by all legal means. They warned it would increase instability and threaten national security.

Is the case of El-Gemil an isolated incident?

No, it is part of a pattern of forced evacuation of poor areas across Egypt to build compounds for the rich, without regard to the rights of original residents.

What approach does the government typically follow in cases of forced evacuation?

The government uses force, intimidation, deception and vilification to get rid of poor residents and seize their land to give to connected investors.