Ibrahim Gomaa Salem Hassan al-Organi, born on December 4, 1974, in Sheikh Zuweid, northern Sinai, is a prominent figure in the region, currently heading the Union of Sinai Tribes, a paramilitary group primarily composed of members from his Tarabin tribe. Organi's early career included driving a taxi and engaging in smuggling operations to Gaza and Israel. He also capitalized on construction projects within his tribe’s territory.
Following bombings targeting tourist sites from 2004 to 2006, Egyptian authorities conducted a severe crackdown on the Tarabin, Sawarka, and Romaylat tribes, leading to mass arrests and prompting the "We Want to Live" protests in 2007. Organi actively participated in these protests and acted as a mediator with security services, leveraging his connections from his smuggling activities.
A pivotal moment in Organi's life occurred in November 2008 when his brother was killed by police during a protest against extrajudicial killings. This incident escalated tensions between the tribes and police, leading to the capture of police officers by Organi and other tribesmen in retaliation. While his associate managed to escape, Organi was imprisoned for 23 months, emerging as a significant militia leader.
Following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, Organi capitalized on the power vacuum in Sinai, where militant groups like Sinai Province (affiliated with ISIS) emerged. The Egyptian government, under General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, enlisted local tribes to combat these militants, leading to the formation of the Union of Sinai Tribes in 2015. Under Organi's leadership, the militia gained institutional structure, securing monthly salaries for members and enhancing cooperation with the military.
Despite the defeat of Sinai Province in 2022, the Union of Sinai Tribes remains active, though its current objectives are unclear. Organi's prominence was highlighted during a 2023 visit from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, showcasing a controversial intertwining of militia and state authority.
In addition to his military role, Organi has built a substantial business empire, particularly after the 2014 Israeli offensive on Gaza, monopolizing transportation and construction contracts associated with the Rafah crossing. His companies, including Sons of Sinai and Misr Sinai, have faced accusations of corrupt practices and bribery, particularly during humanitarian operations. Organi’s business ventures expanded significantly after his 2017 appointment as head of the Union of Sinai Tribes, coinciding with his position on the Sinai Development Authority, raising concerns over conflicts of interest due to his dual role as a businessman and militia leader.
Following bombings targeting tourist sites from 2004 to 2006, Egyptian authorities conducted a severe crackdown on the Tarabin, Sawarka, and Romaylat tribes, leading to mass arrests and prompting the "We Want to Live" protests in 2007. Organi actively participated in these protests and acted as a mediator with security services, leveraging his connections from his smuggling activities.
A pivotal moment in Organi's life occurred in November 2008 when his brother was killed by police during a protest against extrajudicial killings. This incident escalated tensions between the tribes and police, leading to the capture of police officers by Organi and other tribesmen in retaliation. While his associate managed to escape, Organi was imprisoned for 23 months, emerging as a significant militia leader.
Following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, Organi capitalized on the power vacuum in Sinai, where militant groups like Sinai Province (affiliated with ISIS) emerged. The Egyptian government, under General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, enlisted local tribes to combat these militants, leading to the formation of the Union of Sinai Tribes in 2015. Under Organi's leadership, the militia gained institutional structure, securing monthly salaries for members and enhancing cooperation with the military.
Despite the defeat of Sinai Province in 2022, the Union of Sinai Tribes remains active, though its current objectives are unclear. Organi's prominence was highlighted during a 2023 visit from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, showcasing a controversial intertwining of militia and state authority.
In addition to his military role, Organi has built a substantial business empire, particularly after the 2014 Israeli offensive on Gaza, monopolizing transportation and construction contracts associated with the Rafah crossing. His companies, including Sons of Sinai and Misr Sinai, have faced accusations of corrupt practices and bribery, particularly during humanitarian operations. Organi’s business ventures expanded significantly after his 2017 appointment as head of the Union of Sinai Tribes, coinciding with his position on the Sinai Development Authority, raising concerns over conflicts of interest due to his dual role as a businessman and militia leader.
