Sudanese Refugees in Egypt Return in Large Numbers

Cairo – Al-Mohagig : Sabah Musa 

The numbers of Sudanese returning to their country from Egypt have increased recently, following the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Sudanese to Egyptian territories fleeing the war, which has exceeded its tenth month. Many returnees from Egypt to Sudan stated in an investigation by “Almuhaggig” that they did not expect difficult conditions awaiting them in Egypt after enduring bitter hardships during their entry, fleeing the war in their country. They added that there had been a noticeable increase in the cost of living in Egypt compared to previous periods, in addition to lengthy procedures to regularize their status and complex procedures from the Refugee Affairs Commission, which are not equivalent to the minimal assistance provided to Sudanese refugees.

They continued, “We decided to return to Sudan due to the difficult living conditions here and the constant concern about being unable to stabilize our situation.” They pointed out that despite the difficult conditions in Sudan, returning might be a safer option for a more stable life.

On the other hand, a Sudanese smuggler confirmed a significant increase in the reverse journey back to Sudan. The smuggler told “Almuhaggig” that there are men, youth, children, and elderly people on the return journey, with 10 to 20 people wanting to return daily, adding that there are at least 100 Sudanese returning to Sudan daily through smuggling and they expect this number to increase.

Saad Abu Amer, one of the owners of passenger transport companies from Cairo to Aswan, explained that there are about 10 companies transporting passengers from the Abdeen area in Cairo to the “Karakar Port” in Aswan. He told “Almuhagig” that each company operates from “Abdeen” to “Karakar” twice a week, with an average of 20 passengers per bus. He added that the number is currently unstable, and they expect an increase in the last ten days of Ramadan, in addition to a more significant number returning via air travel, whose conditions may be more stable than those returning by land.

In this regard, an informed Egyptian source affirmed that any country can impose its own measures on refugees. The source told “Almuhagig” that it is natural to have such measures, but they are concerned with those who entered the country illegally and procrastinated in completing their residency procedures. At the same time, he noted that Egyptian authorities often turn a blind eye to Sudanese people due to the harsh conditions of the war they have faced. However, with the prolonged duration of the war in Sudan and the difficult economic conditions in Egypt, everyone must complete their procedures to avoid accountability and deportation.