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Al-Ahram Weekly
27-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt to operate second special train for Sudanese citizens returning home - Foreign Affairs
Egypt's National Railways Authority said Sunday it will operate a second special train to facilitate the voluntary return of Sudanese citizens, displaced by the war and currently residing in Egypt. The move follows the launch of the first such train last week as part of broader efforts reflecting the deep-rooted historical ties and close fraternal relations between Egypt and Sudan. It also underscores Egypt's ongoing commitment to offering humanitarian support to Sudanese displaced by the conflict in Sudan. According to the authority's statement, train number 1940, an air-conditioned third-class service, will depart from Cairo Station at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, 28 July, and arrive at the High Dam Station in Aswan, which serves as a Nile access to the neighbouring nation, at 11:40 p.m. From there, passengers are expected to continue their journey to Sudan aboard Nile riverboats departing from the High Dam Port or via overland routes. 'The Egyptian authorities have eased the return process by exempting returnees from fines and legal accountability, and by providing facilities to accommodate them at certain stations until they reach the Sudanese border crossings,' Sudanese Consul General in Aswan Abdel Qader Abdullah Mohamed said in recent remarks to Al-Arabiya. Omaima Abdullah, Head of the Voluntary Return Committee for Sudanese in Egypt, said in recent media remarks that registration is now open for all Sudanese nationals wishing to return through direct communication via WhatsApp at the following number: (+2) 01557213251. 'Registration is conducted exclusively through this number,' Omaima explained, adding that 'applicants are required to send their personal information, after which the committee will contact them to set travel dates and provide instructions for each trip.' The same train, now designated as train number 1945, will depart from Aswan Station at 8:30 p.m. and arrive at Cairo Station at 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday, 29 July. An additional baggage carriage has been added to the train to help transport personal belongings and ease travel conditions. On Saturday, the United Nations (UN) said that more than 1.3 million people who fled the conflict in Sudan have returned home. This includes over 1 million internally displaced people who have gone back to their areas of origin in recent months, and approximately 320,000 refugees who have crossed back into Sudan, mainly from Egypt and South Sudan. Despite these returns, the UN warned that the situation in many areas remains highly precarious. On the same day, Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris pledged to rebuild Khartoum during his first visit to the war-ravaged capital since taking office in May. Egypt as a primary destination Egypt has seen a significant rise in its Sudanese population amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Egypt became the primary destination for those fleeing violence. The country now accommodates the largest share of Sudanese who have fled their country since the outbreak of intense conflict. In May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty estimated the total number of Sudanese residing in the country at 5.5 million. Meanwhile, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), Sudanese citizens make up nearly half of Egypt's estimated nine million refugees. The UN has described the situation as the worst humanitarian crisis globally, with approximately 13 million people displaced, whether externally or internally. Of those, over 3.5 million have crossed into neighbouring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. The influx has sparked debate within Egypt about the mounting pressure on public services and infrastructure, as the country grapples with the dual challenge of honouring its humanitarian commitments while managing domestic capacities. Since January 2025, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has noted an increase in the voluntary returns of displaced Sudanese citizens from neighbouring countries, citing improving security conditions in Khartoum as a contributing factor. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
22-07-2025
- Egypt Independent
First train trip for voluntary return of Sudanese citizens carries 1,000 returnees
The first voluntary return trips of Sudanese citizens from Egypt to Sudan via railways departed on Monday. The train carried approximately 1,000 Sudanese citizens as part of a comprehensive plan to facilitate their safe return back home. The head of the Voluntary Return Committee for Sudanese Citizens, Omaima Abdullah, said that the weekly trip will be organized on a special train on Monday to 'Facilitate the transportation of those wishing to return to their homeland, passing through Aswan Governorate.' 'The voluntary return project is now entering its new phase, which is more developed and organized. We have transitioned from the return of Sudanese citizens residing in Egypt by bus to train, ensuring the comfort of the returnees,' he explained. She added, 'This is a good opportunity to thank (Egyptian) President Sisi and Lieutenant General (Transport Minister) Kamel al-Wazir for their great support for the Sudanese and the warm welcome they have received in our beloved country, Egypt.' Noting that the Sudanese did not suffer as refugees in Egypt, she said that now was the time to 'Return to our homeland to rebuild it and restore it to its former glory.' She noted that the defense industry system covers everything, from meals to train fare, fees, and buses in Sudan, all the way to Khartoum, God willing, safely. Abdullah announced that a phone number has been allocated for registering data via WhatsApp (01557213251), adding, 'There is only one number for long-distance return trips. Sudanese citizens register their data and will be contacted to determine travel dates.' 'I assure the Sudanese that we are dealing with this number responsibly. The train will carry 1,000 people. This is a responsible and sound way from the defense industry to ensure that all Sudanese receive their rights.' Returning home One of the returnees, Hajj Amir Akef, said that 'At the beginning of the ordeal, we came to Egypt, the mother of the world, and now it is time to return (to Sudan).' 'We learned everything good in Egypt. We will go and apply it in our country,' these moving words came from one of the Sudanese returnee at Ramses Station before the departure of the train back to homeland, amid an atmosphere of joy and happiness. He recalled his journey of displacement to Egypt: 'We came to Egypt two years ago, during which we learned all kinds of crafts and agriculture. The Egyptians spared no effort in teaching us any craft, and we learned a lot from them. Not to mention their sense of humor, authenticity, generosity, and chivalry, which are the true meaning and code of Egyptians.' Another one of the returnees Hamed Issa, stated: 'The Egyptians taught us how to fear for our country, and no one can match your chivalry. We thank you for standing with us, from the bottom of our hearts.' Tears welled up in the eyes of Sabry Aleem, a returnee who repeated: 'We have seen nothing from you but kindness, affection, and love. Thank you for your hospitality.' One of the officials responsible for organizing the return trips, Moataz Salem, said that coordination has been in place over the past two months to facilitate the return of over 300,000 Sudanese to their homeland. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
