LEGISLATION WATCH- Amendments to controversial NGOs Act to be ready for public review within a month: The Social Solidarity Ministry-led committee tasked with amending the NGOs Act is expected to finish a draft of the amendments for Cabinet approval in one month’s time, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said, according to Al Ahram. Proposed amendments to the law will be put up for “national dialogue” (Egypt-speak for public consultations), Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Waly said. The Social Solidarity Ministry was expected to send its final draft of the executive regulations for the NGOs Act to the Cabinet last month.

Background: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi had said earlier this month that the law, which the House of Representatives passed back in 2016, is “flawed” and agreed to hold public consultations on changes. The law gives the state the power to decide who can set up an NGO and for what purpose and sets restrictions on donations, among other stipulations. The Supreme Constitutional Court in June struck down as unconstitutional clause that gave the social solidarity minister the power to disband the boards of NGOs.