Al-Monitor: Do you think that the bombing of al-Rawda mosque was targeting Sufis in Sinai? What is the message behind this incident?

Argani: The attack targeting al-Rawda mosque shows how weak the extremist groups are. There is no real power in attacking and killing unarmed civilians while they pray. This is proof of a lack of human values.

Al-Monitor: What does the Union of Sinai Tribes think about the Nov. 24 bombing of al-Rawda mosque , near el-Arish, in North Sinai?

The union consists of the 24 tribes of Sinai and is headed by Sheikh Ibrahim al-Argani. In an interview with Al-Monitor on Dec. 7 in Cairo, Argani said that the tribes were coordinating with the army to make extremists “regret their actions,” particularly in regard to the bombing of al-Rawda mosque, but did not specify in what way. He asserted that the al-Rawda attack had pushed the tribes to come together and overcome their differences. Argani also spoke about the government's development and investment plans for Sinai and the role of the Misr Sinai Investment Company, which the tribes founded in cooperation with the army.

The Sinai Tribal Union is pushing to play a pivotal role in the ongoing confrontations between the Egyptian armed forces and extremist groups in the Sinai Peninsula, especially after the Nov. 24 attack that targeted the al-Rawda mosque, near el-Arish, killing 311 civilians . The union issued several statements announcing its support for the armed forces and its willingness to participate in armed confrontations against the extremist groups in Sinai.

Argani: The extremist groups were only trying to put on a show and create media hype to prove that they still have a strong presence in North Sinai. In addition, the incident intended to target Sufis in North Sinai, because these extremist organizations reject anyone that does not share their point of view, regardless of their religious or political affiliation.

Al-Monitor: In May, the Sinai tribes announced that they will engage in armed struggle against the extremist organizations. Will that confrontation develop after the bombing of al-Rawda mosque?

Argani: Indeed, a major development is expected. In fact, immediately after the bombing, the tribes began implementing an operation against extremist groups in cooperation with the army. We have issued several statements in this regard, namely a sharp statement on Nov. 30, calling on our tribes to take part in the cleansing of Sinai. All I can say is the tribes were very responsive, and many volunteered, but I cannot reveal any more details about the battle and those participating in it. With increased cooperation with the army, we will make [extremists] regret their actions.

Al-Monitor: How does the Union of Sinai Tribes play a role in uniting tribes and fighting extremist organizations? What is the purpose of this union?

Argani: The union consists of the 24 tribes present in Sinai. It is tasked with maintaining full coordination between the tribes themselves, especially in the fight against extremists. In addition, the union provides the army with information on the extremists’ activity and their whereabouts.

Al-Monitor: During a previous interview with Al-Monitor, spokesman for the Tarabin tribe Musa al-Dalah said, “Not all Sinai tribes cooperated properly in the battle against Wilayat Sinai.” Are there any differences between the tribes when it comes to this battle?

Argani: The ugliness of the recent incident and the extremists’ persistence in targeting innocent civilians urged the tribes to unite at this critical time.

Al-Monitor: The Union of Sinai Tribes announced in a Nov. 30 statement that it coordinates with the security services to support them in fighting extremists. What is the nature of this support?

Argani: We provide all the support the military might need, whether by volunteering to fight alongside it or by providing information. I cannot really reveal certain confidential details about our current work in the field in terms of our hand-in-hand confrontation, but the tribes insist on supporting the armed forces no matter what.

Al-Monitor: Does the bombing of al-Rawda mosque, which killed [311] people, reflect the state's failure to protect citizens in Sinai?

Argani: This incident has nothing to do with a security failure. There is no way we can guarantee the security of every mosque in North Sinai. There are 40 Sufi mosques in Sinai, and it is a shame that we could not predict the occurrence of such an incident.

Al-Monitor: After the incident, some called on the need to evacuate North Sinai, where the army is battling extremists, such as security expert and strategist Maj. Gen. Hussam Sweilem, who called for emptying the area of its residents so they would not be exploited by extremists to pressure the Egyptian state. What do you think about such calls?

Argani: Those making such calls do not understand the situation in Sinai. Evacuating Sinai would do the Egyptian army more harm than good, because tribes know the exact whereabouts of extremists. [In case of evacuation], the armed forces would have no other source of information, and Sinai would become home to extremists alone. The army never expressed desire to evacuate Sinai because it is well aware of the importance of keeping us here.

Al-Monitor: What kind of development projects does Sinai need?

Argani: The army and Sinai tribes founded Misr Sinai Investment Company in August 2014, and I was appointed chairman. The 24 tribes cooperated with the armed forces, represented by the National Service Projects Authority, in establishing the company, which is involved in several areas, including manufacturing marble and granite. A large marble factory will be opened in North Sinai in the coming days. Sinai needs numerous projects, such as paving roads and digging more wells, which the army is implementing in cooperation with the tribes.

Al-Monitor: How does the state encourage businessmen to invest in Sinai?

Argani: The state facilitates all necessary approvals for investment projects in Sinai and is willing to partner with all businessmen wishing to invest here in order to reassure them, while providing all the services they might need.

Al-Monitor: How do you see the future in Sinai?

Argani: I am optimistic about Sinai’s future, especially after we succeed in eliminating the Islamic State [IS]. Sinai will be a witness to much-needed development efforts, since areas with weak development attract IS. Although we cannot specify an exact day for it, the battle to eliminate IS is approaching.