Egypt’s Sisi Honors Militia Fighter Amid War Crimes Allegations

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi honored militia fighter Ibrahim Hammad, posthumously recognizing him as a “martyr” despite war crime allegations. Hammad, who died in a military operation, has been accused of executing unarmed civilians, prompting strong denunciations from human rights groups for signaling impunity regarding such violations. The situation highlights deeper issues surrounding accountability and the treatment of displaced communities in North Sinai.

On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi posthumously honored militia fighter Ibrahim Hammad as a “martyr” despite ongoing allegations of war crimes against him. During an event commemorating fallen armed forces members, Sisi also rewarded Hammad’s mother, highlighting his designation as a “martyr hero.” Hammad lost his life on May 10, 2022, while participating in an Egyptian military operation targeting supposed terrorists in North Sinai’s Sheikh Zuweid region.

The Sinai Foundation for Human Rights (SFHR), an advocacy group based in London, has condemned Sisi’s remarks. They assert that Hammad was involved in egregious human rights violations, specifically the cold-blooded execution of unarmed civilians in 2017. The group articulated that Sisi’s actions represent an affront to the victims’ families and signal a troubling culture of impunity.

Evidence, including a video verified by Human Rights Watch (HRW), allegedly shows Hammad participating in the execution of two detained brothers from the Rumailat tribe in 2017. HRW noted that the brothers, Daoud Sabri al-Awabdah and Abd al-Hadi Sabri al-Awabdah, had been forcibly abducted in 2016. SFHR emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The video shows Ibrahim Hamad carrying out field executions of detainees at point-blank range – an undeniable war crime that demands accountability.”

Despite the substantial evidence against Hammad, no legal repercussions were taken prior to his death, which resulted from an explosive device. SFHR criticized the honors granted to individuals like Hammad, arguing that such actions indicate state protection of human rights violators.

The Egyptian military, in coordination with local tribes, engaged in an extensive campaign against the Islamic State-affiliated Sinai Province from 2013 to 2022. While the military claims success in this effort, thousands of local residents were forcibly displaced and are yet to return to their homes, which have been repurposed into a buffer zone near the borders of Israel and Gaza. Moreover, allegations of war crimes have been documented by HRW and SFHR throughout the conflict, yet no accountability measures have been pursued by the Egyptian government.

In summary, President el-Sisi’s posthumous honor of Ibrahim Hammad raises grave concerns regarding accountability for alleged war crimes in Egypt’s Sinai region. Advocacy groups continue to demand investigations into Hammad’s actions, underscoring a broader issue of impunity for human rights violations within the military context. The ongoing plight of displaced civilians in North Sinai further exacerbates the situation, emphasizing the need for justice and effective governance.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net