Sisi praises civil society organizations that ‘build society’

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised civil society organizations that “play a developmental role” and contribute to building society as he inaugurated a housing project in Moqattam on Monday.

“I thank all the organizations who give hope and contribute to alleviating [Egyptians’] pain,” he said.

The president inaugurated the first two phases of the Asmarat project in Moqattam. Along with its third phase, the project promises 16,000 housing units for lower-income citizens.

Sisi lauded the work of NGOs such as the Misr El Kheir Foundation and the Dar Al-Orman Charity Association, the head of which also delivered an address about the organization’s development of over 12,000 houses in 555 villages nationwide.

The president noted that these organizations are capable of coordinating with the Ministry of Social Solidarity on several projects.

This speech comes amid a crackdown on other civil society organizations, as founders and directors of a number of NGOs ­– particularly those that deal with human rights issues  ­– face accusations of receiving illegal foreign funding.

In his address on Sunday, Sisi assured Egyptians that their donations are going to “respectable organizations.”

“Rest assured, since these organizations only want general wellbeing,” he said.

The president also addressed the sectarian violence that took place in Minya last week, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I am saying an Egyptian woman,” he noted. “I didn’t say a [Christian] Egyptian-woman.” Sisi highlighted the fact that Egyptians are all one, and they have equal rights and duties.

“I am telling her and other Egyptian women not to be upset,” he said, stressing Egypt’s respect for women.

The president said that anyone is subject to prosecution, no matter who they are, starting from the president of the republic.

Sisi also vowed to put an end to the problem of informal housing within two years. He referred to the Tahya Masr fund, saying that donations are directed toward these kinds of projects.

“When I was running for president and I said I wanted a LE100 billion fund, they asked me what I was going to use this money for,” he said. “It’s this.”

He reiterated the idea of making personal sacrifices for the sake of the country. “The Minister of Planning asks me where we’re going to get the money,” the president said. “If we don’t have to eat then let’s not eat.”

“I can’t eat and sleep and be happy if others can’t sleep and eat and be happy,” he continued.

Sisi criticized the portrayal of informal housing and slum areas in films, saying it aims to paint a negative image and create divisions within Egyptian society.

“They’re Egyptians,” he said. “Go see them and sit with them.”