Congestion at border crossings and travel costs are hindering the return of Sudanese from Egypt
Thousands of Sudanese residents in Egypt face numerous challenges preventing them from returning home to celebrate Eid al-Adha or any other family occasion due to the ongoing conflict. These difficulties are exacerbated by the congestion at border crossings between the two countries and the exorbitant costs of travel, depriving many of the opportunity to reunite with their families during these trying times.
The roots of this humanitarian crisis lie in the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. This bloody conflict led to unprecedented waves of displacement, with millions of Sudanese fleeing their homes in search of safety. Egypt, as a key neighboring country, received enormous numbers of these displaced people, exceeding hundreds of thousands, offering them temporary refuge from the ravages of war. These refugees and internally displaced persons live in Egypt with the hope of returning home when conditions permit, but the reality on the ground presents significant challenges.
Major border crossings between Egypt and Sudan, such as Arqin and Qastal, are key bottlenecks. These crossings experience massive overcrowding, especially during peak times like holidays. Travelers are forced to wait for hours, sometimes even days, in difficult conditions lacking adequate basic services. These challenges include complex bureaucratic procedures, slow entry and exit processing, and severe congestion, which exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and the sick.
In addition to overcrowding, the exorbitant cost of travel presents another major obstacle. Bus fares and private transportation prices have skyrocketed since the start of the crisis, exploiting people's desperate need to move around. Added to this are the costs of temporary accommodation near the border and food and drink during long waiting periods. These financial burdens weigh heavily on Sudanese families who have lost their sources of income in Sudan and often rely on aid or the scarce job opportunities in Egypt. For many, the cost of a round trip has become far beyond their means, making the idea of returning to celebrate Eid a distant dream.
Holidays, especially Eid al-Adha, hold profound religious and social significance in Sudanese culture. They are occasions for family gatherings, exchanging greetings, and renewing social bonds. In the context of conflict and displacement, the desire to reunite with loved ones intensifies, as the holiday represents a glimmer of hope and a chance for temporary respite from the bitterness of war. Being deprived of this opportunity not only causes deep frustration but also exacerbates the psychological and emotional strain on separated individuals and families.
The continuation of these challenges has far-reaching humanitarian and social consequences. Locally, it increases pressure on host communities in Egypt and places an additional burden on humanitarian organizations. Regionally, this crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the conflict in Sudan and facilitates the movement of civilians fleeing the war or wishing to return. It also highlights the importance of regional and international coordination to provide the necessary support to those affected and alleviate their suffering.
In conclusion, the return of Sudanese citizens from Egypt to their homeland during the holidays remains fraught with difficulties, as overcrowding and high costs combine to create insurmountable obstacles for many. This situation necessitates urgent interventions to facilitate the movement of individuals and alleviate financial burdens, enabling families to reunite and resume some semblance of normalcy under these exceptional circumstances.
