TRIBAL CLASHES IN NORTH SINAI LEAD TO PROTESTS

UNCLAS CAIRO 003000 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PINR PTER PGOV ASEC EG SUBJECT: TRIBAL CLASHES IN NORTH SINAI LEAD TO PROTESTS Sensitive but Unclassified, not for Internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) Tensions between the Fawakhreya tribe, which is based in the city of el-Arish in North Sinai, and the Tarabeen bedouin tribe intensified on October 6 when a Tarabeen member opened fire on residents and buildings in the Fawakhreya neighborhood, according to press accounts and Embassy contacts. The shooting incited protests by Fawakhreya tribe members, who vandalized the local National Democratic Party (NDP) headquarters as well as pictures of President Mubarak. Members of the Fawakhreya tribe accused government security forces of failing to maintain security. (Note: Although the Fawakhreya tribe is the largest tribe in the region, Embassy contacts say its 35,000 members are less well armed than members of some bedouin tribes and are more dependent on government security for their protection. End note.) ¶2. (SBU) To control the protests, the Minister of Interior ordered security forces to enforce a curfew on the Fawakhreya neighborhood of el-Arish on October 6. Several demonstrators were injured and hospitalized, although none were killed. According to North Sinai business and security contacts, the GOE lifted the curfew on October 8 after calm had been restored. Embassy contacts speculate that North Sinai MPs and Fawakhreya tribe members will demand to be armed to counter future attacks. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: The supposed demand for weapons is based on the GOE practice in Sinai to acquiesce to a small degree of judicial autonomy for the bedouin tribes. Although the GOE will not provide weapons to feuding tribes, the tension in the area is likely to continue. RICCIARDONE