Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

On December 26-27, 2009 the Center for Arab West Understanding hosted a workshop in Cairo under the title, “Strengthening the Social Role of NGOs through Communication and Interaction”. At our center we have been conducting a project on peacebuilding following the incident of conflict in the Egyptian setting. We have been asking the questions: What is necessary to help prevent conflict, and what can be done to reassemble a community after it has been torn asunder through such violence? Though the answers vary, one key component was offered by Dr. Baha Bakry, president of Sinai University, which guided the ideas of our workshop. We were pleased also to have the participation of Dr. Bakry as both a lecturer and a discussion leader.

 

 

Dr. Bakry proposed that the NGO network of civil society is the best resource for strengthening relationships which promote peace. Due to their broad work in improving the lives of ordinary Egyptians, these NGOs have won a respect which crosses many lines of division which exist naturally in any community. Unfortunately, Dr. Bakry lamented, there is often little coordination between NGOs in a given area, as each tends to remain within its area of expertise.

 

It should be noted that the initial designs for this workshop were for it to be conducted not in Cairo, but in Beni Suef, 140 kilometers to the south. We had been researching an area of conflict in the nearby village of Izbet Bushra, and were hoping to achieve a dovetail in our objectives. By organizing this workshop in regional capital of an area in which we were already invested we might be able to learn more about the local conflict in the village, but more so to learn in general how NGOs have experienced conflict in their areas. We wanted first to learn from them about conflict they have witnessed, and then to support them with training on what to do about it. In the process we would be facilitating and encouraging their greater cooperation in the area.

 

Unfortunately, at the last moment we received instructions from security to delay the workshop while they studied our objectives in greater detail. Due to many considerations, however, this essentially meant the cancellation of the Beni Suef workshop, and its transfer to Cairo, where we received no restrictions on our efforts. For context, the Egyptian government is cautious about all activities conducted in Upper Egypt, especially when originating in Cairo or among foreigners, as this has been a region ripe for conflict in the past. It was unfortunate that our best plans needed adjustment, but we were still able to both learn from and support the NGO community in the nation’s capital.

 

 

In all, seventeen participants joined in our training, representing fifteen NGOs. These are listed below:

 

 

 

The workshop opened with a welcome from columnist Hani Labib, who presented the objectives and guidelines so as to inform the open participation of all. This was followed by an introduction of CAWU by Sawsan Gabra and Osama al-Ghazoly, in which we spoke of our peacemaking project and initial thoughts about the value of NGO participation. Said Abd al-Hafiz Darwish was then introduced to put forward one of the key components of our workshop, the NGO survey on conflict.

 

It was mentioned earlier that our desire was first to learn from the NGOs about their various experiences with conflict and how it was handled. To discover this information we distributed a detailed assessment, inviting the participants to fill in the information, which was organized around yes/no and multiple choice questions for ease of answering, but also invited more detailed explanations. This is where the difficulty began.

 

The questionnaire elicited a defensive reaction from the majority of participants. They were unsure why we were collecting this information, and wanted to know what we intended to do with it. Much of the time allotted for the morning sessions of day one was thereafter taken in efforts to assuage their fears and convince them of our good intentions. In the end they agreed to fill in the information, but given the protests we have reason to doubt the completeness with which they wrote. The findings of the questionnaire will be presented below.

 

In retrospect, we underestimated the culture of suspicion which has developed in Egypt. On the one hand the presence of a foreigner in the workshop immediately promotes thoughts of foreign manipulation, and even if the foreigner’s good intentions are believed, there is reluctance to participate given the additional attention given by the government to monitor his or her activities. Though our NGO is Egyptian, it has foreign components; the lines of demarcation are understandably confused by outside participants.

 

On the other hand, there is a suspicion which also permeates the world of NGOs in particular. Civil society in Egypt is an emerging field of activity, with much government oversight, as our own NGO has experienced. NGOs work cautiously, enjoying the benefits of a good reputation once earned, but careful never to be controversial. The placing thoughts on paper about a subject as controversial as conflict came very close to the line for many.  

 

For future planning, as we maintain our belief in the usefulness of NGO cooperation, we would have done well to begin instead with trust building exercises or even general seminars. Had we been in Beni Suef we would have been conducting the workshop with a respected NGO from the region, which was inviting all area organizations on our behalf. We may have had more room for trust in building off their reputation. In Cairo the situation was completely different. It should be noted, however, that as the workshop progressed people grew more relaxed, friendly, and eager to learn. At the end many expressed their hope to continue to work with our organization.

 

Day one activities continued as the participants were divided into six groups for discussion about their common obstacles for proper operation. Each group worked independently and designated one of their number as coordinator and spokesperson. Problems were identified in various areas, including administration, media and government, and coordination of activities.

 

The first problem spoken by all groups is common to the struggles of all NGOs: the lack of funding. Closely thereafter was related administrative inefficiency, which is related, of course, since funds prevent ongoing training of staff and/or appointment of qualified personnel. Media received a substantial amount of blame due to the tendency to blow issues out of proportion. As the community thereafter becomes polarized it is more difficult for NGOs to conduct their programs. Government procedures were also identified, as certain laws result in the increase of communal tension, not its alleviation. NGOs also expressed confusion and frustration about dealing with bureaucracy in government ministries and security agencies. Finally, the NGOs recognized that they struggled with networking and coordination, as well as with an inability to communicate the importance of their work to the general public.

 

Following the presentation of these findings Said Abd al-Hafez Darwish led a discussion in which he addressed several concerns. Finding funding is a challenge, he said, but it is always possible if attention is given to proper grant writing and project proposal procedures. It is not enough simply to gain donor confidence, however, unless local officials and bureaucrats are treated with tact and respect they can hold up any plan put forward by an NGO. Furthermore, he put forward suggestions for networking among colleagues, hoping to strengthen the confidence of each NGO to interact with those in their same region.

 

Dr. Bakry then delivered a lecture in which he spoke of the many challenges facing Egyptian society in general, which contributes to the difficulties NGOs face in developing their local regions. The education system, he believes, does not prepare children to think creatively, focusing instead on rote memorization. The consequence is a society ill equipped to face multifaceted complex problems. Though this is beyond the scope of the NGOs, they must realize this as they themselves are a product of the educational system. NGOs must change their nature and become able to dig deep and explore root causes of social problems. Only in this manner can they truly make a sustainable difference in their areas of service. If successful, they can become the ‘fifth pillar’ of Egyptian society, following that of the three branches of government and the media.

 

 

Day two began with the further participation of Dr. Bakry, this time in facilitating discussion over an exercise in dealing with community conflict. A scenario was proposed in which a land dispute between a Christian and a Muslim threatened to disturb the entire village (see text of exercise below). Each family had called in reinforcements which had resulted in minor vandalism done to property and cases of violence had erupted between them. Rumors were circulating and the larger community was becoming more aware of what was going on. The exercise then related the work of six distinct NGOs which were active in the village. The participants were divided into six groups, each one representing an NGO, and asked what their role was in helping to resolve this conflict before it spiraled out of control.

 

Each groups addressed the conflict differently, as was appropriate given their programs and relationships with those in the area. Dr. Bakry generally found favor with the ideas put forward, but maintained harsh critique for those who advocated lectures and seminars to be presented in the area. This is a traditional focus whereby groups believe they can influence through sermonizing. Instead he called for direct engagement with the problem and those embroiled in it. NGOs cannot stand on the sidelines and offer advice; they are part of the community and must involve themselves in it.

 

Dr. Bakry followed up on these comments by focusing on the ability of NGOs to make a difference in their local region. He asked them to pay close attention to any problems or conflicts which begin to emerge, and for those already underway he called for their analytical study. Both quantitative and qualitative factors must be identified, and all local actors and background information must be considered. He spoke of keeping a timeline of the problem, as no crisis emerges in a vacuum but is rather an accumulation of many diverse smaller problems. Only in its entirety can a problem be known, and only in its entirety can solutions be found.

 

Dr. Bakry then led a discussion about the issues of community involvement, and secured the agreement of all participants that if the social power of NGOs can be coordinated their influence can be utilized to prevent clashes and restore peace. Increased networking will facilitate NGO cooperation, but NGOs should aim for wider participation in community issues. They should take the lead in involving local government officials, business, community, and religious leaders, and even the media in the creation of an ‘early warning system’ that can prevent escalation when interests clash. As root causes are considered with the free exchange of information and expertise, time, effort, and possibly even human lives can be saved.

 

The participants agreed, furthermore, that the strengthening of civil society in general is vital in preventing future conflicts, and that NGOs have a major role in this regard, especially as they operate within and promote the values of citizenship. Unemployment should be addressed, for those without work are more likely than others to clash when disputes arise. Youth services are also important, as the younger generation must be educated in the principles of peace and social solidarity. Ties with the media must also be promoted, for NGOs are among those most likely to report community issues objectively, free from the biases associated with particular interests. It would benefit society if each NGO became a regional media center with strong links to the provincial press.

 

Issues of media were then addressed in the next session by Hani Labib. He developed the issue of an NGO serving as a regional media center by giving lessons in how to deal with the press. He urged each NGO to designate one member for whom it would develop the skills of writing press copy, so that the media outlets would receive news stories favorably. Furthermore he spoke of the need for objectivity and proper reliance on sources. Journalists are not used to thinking of NGOs as sources for news, so if these wish to participate in shaping the presentation of the news in their area—as they should—it would be well to earn a reputation from the beginning in making balanced and objective statements that reflect the situation as a whole.

 

Said Abd al-Hafiz Darwish closed the workshop with further commentary on the exercise, noting that many of the NGO representatives played down the sectarian nature of the conflict in the village. He esteemed this intention, as many would seek instead to highlight the religious differences, and among the fictional NGOs in the example were specifically Muslim or Christian organizations. Nevertheless, he believed that identification of sectarian issues is important, for if ignored they can easily enflame into greater conflict. Said agreed with Hani that the NGO should position itself to represent local issues to the press, and should not fear accusations that touch on issues of human rights. He stated that despite the claims of some, human rights concerns are not international meddling in Egyptian affairs, but that Egypt is a signatory to the major international documents, which have been upheld in local court cases. Civil rights are important to all, and the grassroots representation takes place best in the local NGO. As each group tends to its sphere of expertise, the community effects ripple in many directions. By being more aware of its influence, the NGO can be a source of positive change and community harmony far beyond the scope of its original project.

 

At the close of the workshop we distributed evaluation forms to judge the participants reception of our efforts. The results were encouraging. When asked about the extent of coverage given to the main issues, 57% signaled their strong approval and 42% their general approval. Concerning the sufficiency of information given during the workshop, 50% signaled their strong approval and 42% their general approval. When asked their agreement with the methodology of the workshop, 71% signaled their strong approval and 29% their general approval. Finally, the participants were asked if the workshop provided clear guidance in next steps for their organization to take; 64% signaled their strong approval and 28% their general approval. Though the workshop began with reluctance and concern on the part of the NGO representatives, we were pleased to discover their final appreciation of our efforts.

 

Participants were also asked to provide written feedback. The first question asked for other subjects which would have been useful or for which they would appreciate more detailed training. Six responses had to do with the particular interests of the NGOs involved, such as homelessness, computer skills, literacy, and family issues. Eight responses had to do with the skills of running an NGO, such as donor communication, obtaining financing, promoting volunteerism, and skills development. While useful responses, these do not speak directly to our workshop. Eleven comments, however, pertained to topics which we did address. Three comments wished for more training in crisis management, negotiation, and direct discussion of societal conflicts. Three comments wished for greater coverage of media issues, especially in how to use the media to promote one’s NGO. Two comments requested further development of communication issues, and three comments indicated more was necessary in providing examples of methods of NGO cooperation.

 

The final question asked for general feedback. Three comments gave examples of other activity which would have been useful, such as distributing published studies on NGO successes, sharing international examples of NGO success stories, and distributing information on each participating NGO to foster immediate cooperation. Three comments gave general appreciation for the workshop and suggested that more training be offered on this and other diversified topics. Finally, five comments highlighted areas of improvement. One wished for more advance notice of the workshop, which was unfortunately not possible given the circumstances described above. One asked for better selection of presenters and lecturers. One desired more time be given to treat the topics more in depth. One stated it would have been preferable for the workshop to have been held on the weekend. Finally, one would have liked that we presented ourselves more fully, so as to explain our interests in this matter and the purposes of the workshop.

 

 

In tabulating the findings of the questionnaire about conflict, we discovered valuable information which confirms the idea that NGOs have a role to play in helping solve community conflict and rebuild peace in an area. While we asked the NGO personnel to answer the questions based on their experience, it may be that some answered in the ideal case. Even so, whether the questionnaire measures their actual participation in conflict or their idealized responses, we are pleased to discover that a good percentage of those who answered are already thinking along these lines. For all questions that follow the total number of participants was seventeen, not all of whom answered every question. Totals will not necessarily equal the number of responses, as participants were allowed to answer all that applied.

 

Our first question asked the NGOs to describe their experience with conflict over the past five years. 14 people answered, with 10 describing family conflicts, 4 between land owners and tenants, 3 between landlords and tenants, 5 between people of different religions, and 4 answered other. The diversity of experiences allows the questions which follow to be seen as applicable across many different types of conflict.

 

15 participants answered the question about their response to conflict. 10 people sought advice, 13 collected information, 10 shared this information with others, and 11 tried to mediate, of these 9 did so immediately. Only 3 people described withdrawing from conflict, with 3 describing it too sensitive, and 2 as too risky. These answers indicate that the NGO personnel with which we interacted has a predisposition to involve itself in community affairs, including the incident of conflict.

 

15 participants answered the question concerning seeking support from others, with 13 stating that they did so. Of these, 4 sought help from religious leaders, 3 from community leaders, 5 from other NGOs, 2 from government officials, 4 from the local council, 2 from the media, and 10 from other, including professionals, legal advisors, university professors, doctors, and the family itself. These answers show a wide understanding of the community and from where to seek assistance. It is interesting to note that government officials were contacted less frequently. This indicates a preference to solve conflict unofficially, at least in the beginning stages of finding support.

 

We asked the NGO personnel to evaluate their efforts to determine if their interventions could have been improved. 14 people answered, with indications of ‘yes’ stating that in 6 cases too much was happening too fast, in 10 cases there was too little information, and in 5 cases there was a lack of expertise. These answers indicate the need for better information distribution and the viability of an easily accessible database for context of issues, as well as a general benefit in providing training in conflict resolution. We believe these are practical steps which can be taken to improve NGO capacity for solving conflict in its area of operation.

 

15 participants responded to the question about the risks involved in helping solve conflict. 7 stated these were personal risks, 6 that they were organizational, 8 financial, 6 societal, and 3 indicated legal risks. Involvement in conflict necessarily involves risk, but the identification of such risk helps to lessen potential impact. It is also encouraging to notice the overall trend in which the participants were involved in conflict, despite the known risks as described. This is a testimony to the validity of reliance on the NGO community in times of social tension.

 

We asked about the groups which should be contacted quickly in times of conflict. 15 participants answered this question. 5 answered the mayor, 3 government officials, 5 religious leaders, 8 community leaders, 4 the national parliament or shura council, 5 other NGOs, and 1 answered the media. As seen above, there is a preference for solving the conflict locally without involving the government, though certain conflicts have led and should lead toward official intervention.

 

The one reference to the media is confirmed in the next question, in which we asked directly if the media should be conflicted. 15 answered and 13 said ‘no’, in 3 cases stating that it was too sensitive, 7 times that the media only makes things worse, and 4 times that it would hurt our reputation. There is a clear bias against the media seen in these findings, which is understandable, but also depicts why our training in how to positively cultivate good ties with the media is important.

 

We asked further about the media – if it should be contacted when is the right time? 3 people stated immediately, 2 after things calm down, and 1 person stated after a year, and only if this was necessary to criticize parties after failing to produce reconciliation. Should the media be contacted, however, 4 people stated this should be to provide economic and social context, 4 people said it should be to provide history of the conflict, while no one believed the names or religion of those involved should be revealed. Though the sample size is smaller than the other questions, it is positive to notice that participants believed their role with the media was to help expand understanding of the situation. This is an area of expertise for an NGO, whereas the media in Egypt often neglect greater context.

 

Finally, we asked if an NGO should actively participate in reconciliation. 13 people answered the question, with 8 indicating ‘yes’. Among those who disagreed 3 said it is not in our expertise, 1 that it is not our business, 1 that it is too sensitive, and 1 that it is too risky. It is encouraging to see that the majority believe an active role in bringing the community back together is beneficial, though it is also natural to see others weigh the risks and their own ability to be involved.

 

There was great diversity in answers about how to be actively involved. 13 participants answered this question, 3 stating that issues of justice should be considered, whereas 6 believed that the main issue should be minimized with the focus being on relationships. 9 people indicated they should encourage parties toward compromise. Interestingly, 5 people stated reconciliation should be along religious lines, while 4 believed that religion should be avoided altogether in the process of reconciliation. Placing the controversial issue of religion aside, these answers indicate the majority were more comfortable in involving themselves relationally in a conflict situation. Given that the NGOs are not attuned necessarily to the reasons behind a conflict this seems appropriate. It agrees, in fact, with our assessment that it is the value of good relationships which an NGO can leverage in bringing people back together following conflict. While issues of justice, right, and wrong are always important, this is less likely to be the area where NGOs can be of use.

 

In summary, we believe these findings to confirm generally the idea that NGOs can play a major role in rebuilding an area following the incident of conflict. Not only do the results show the potential usefulness of the idea, but they also reveal a predisposition in this direction on the part of those surveyed. While we would have preferred to have gained our initial findings from the NGO community in Beni Suef, this workshop and this questionnaire will provide foundational analysis on which to build future studies and conduct area NGO workshops.  

 

 

The exercise listed below was created as an imaginary situation but is based on patterns of conflict observable in Egyptian society. The village of al-Khidr does not exist but the situation as described looks to a certain extent similar to the conflict around the Monastery of Abu Fana. As Prof. Baha Bakri discussed possible responses with participants in our NGO workshop he immediately recognized elements from the conflict around the Monastery of Abu Fana.

 

 

Imagine the village of al-Khidr, bordering the desert. The village has 5000 inhabitants, 3000 from the Nile valley, 2000 from the Western and Eastern deserts. The village is predominantly Muslim but there is also a small Christian community of 200 people. Farmers of the village are living on very small plots of lands, an average of half a feddan to two feddans per farmer. Other villagers have no land but own small shops, some have workshops like a carpentry workshop and a car repair workshop.  Again others are manual workers.  A number of young people are unemployed. There is a primary school in the village. There are two mosques, several zawyas [editor: a small mosque attached to a residence] and a small church in the village.

 

Several NGOs are active in this village (NGO administrations are from a neighboring town but employ people from this village):

 

 

 You know that income for villagers is below average. Many villagers live from less than 300 Egyptian Pounds per month. Villagers are also looking at expanding agricultural projects in the desert through irrigation.

 

Events:

 

Girgis, farmer with two feddan farm, starts working on two additional feddan in the desert. He says he bought the land through an orfi contract [editor: a traditional contract of sale, not legally registered with the government].

 

 Mahmoud, a Bedouin trader, starts working on desert land immediately bordering that of Girgis. It is not clear whether he has documents or not. Mahmoud and Girgis quarrel about where to draw the line between both plots of land. Poles were put in the sand but they soon afterwards disappear and no one knows who made these poles disappear.

 

Girgis brought in over 20 family members to work on the land and builds a storehouse on the disputed border.

 

Mahmoud brought in 50 family members and friends to work on his land. He argues that Girgis’ building is illegal.

 

Girgis says Mahmoud destroyed a wall of his storehouse.  

 

Anger on both sides is boiling. There have been no fights yet. The dispute is argued throughout the village.

 

Questions to NGOs in the village:

 

The purpose is that we want to see NGOs and members of the local community work together. We are facing the following questions:

 

Part 2:

What could happen if no one tries to reduce this conflict?

 

Could it be the following?

 

Girgis repairs the destroyed wall. Mahmoud destroys it a second time and family members and workers from sides start to fight. Members from both families need to be treated in a hospital in the city with bone fractures.