Bouhy Market Compensations Suspended Despite Agreement to Disburse Payments in Exchange for Affected Parties Waiving Court-Issued Rulings
Victims of Bouhy Market were shocked by the indefinite suspension of compensation disbursement procedures by Giza Governorate, despite a prior agreement stipulating the payment of 200,000 EGP per victim in exchange for their waiver of judicial rulings issued in their favor.
The postponement arose from internal disagreements between Giza Governorate and the Ministry of Finance regarding compensation disbursement mechanisms, including debates over utilizing special funds affiliated with the governorate and the necessity of obtaining the ministry’s approval. Concurrently, the State Lawsuits Authority announced filing appeals before the Supreme Administrative Court, raising questions about administrative bodies’ commitment to implementing the agreement.
The settlement reached between administrative authorities and the victims included terms aimed at resolving the dispute. Giza Governorate agreed to withdraw appeals submitted to the Supreme Administrative Court challenging judicial rulings favoring the victims. Each victim signed a waiver relinquishing their court-granted right to an alternative kiosk and a monthly compensation of 2,000 EGP until such kiosks are provided. In return, a lump-sum compensation of 200,000 EGP per victim was agreed upon.
While this solution did not fully meet the victims’ aspirations nor match the entitlements granted by the court, many opted to accept the offer due to the prolonged legal battle, preferring immediate compensation over continued litigation.
However, after the agreement was finalized and victims began signing waivers, Giza Governorate unexpectedly suspended procedures. Internal disputes between the governorate and the Ministry of Finance over disbursement mechanisms caused further delays. The State Lawsuits Authority’s subsequent appeals to the Supreme Administrative Court underscored administrative obstructions to the agreement’s implementation.
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) acknowledged Giza Governorate and North Giza District’s efforts to resolve the crisis but urged expedited measures to disburse compensations, emphasizing the need to remove obstacles hindering the agreement’s execution. The ECESR called on relevant authorities to fully adhere to the settlement terms without delay.
In April 2023, the ECESR secured a landmark ruling in favor of 43 victims—vendors at Bouhy Market’s fruit and vegetable kiosks in Imbaba, Giza. On April 26, 2023, Circuit 11 – Contracts of the Administrative Judiciary Court affirmed the victims’ right to alternative commercial units, mandating Giza Governorate to establish these units per signed protocols. The court also ordered continued monthly compensation of 2,000 EGP per victim until the units are provided.
ECESR lawyers filed 43 lawsuits on behalf of the vendors, demanding the enforcement of usufruct contracts for commercial units in a mall constructed on a 500m² plot owned by the Egyptian Railway Authority. The project, developed by MOT Investment and Projects Co., was governed by a protocol signed between Giza Governorate, the Informal Settlements Development Fund, MOT, and the National Tunnels Authority. The court ruled to oblige the Giza Governor to establish the agreed-upon commercial units and continue monthly compensations pending their provision.
Despite the ruling, Giza Governorate and the Head of North Giza District appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court seeking its annulment, further prolonging the victims’ plight.
