Egypt Daily News – In a significant development for the Sudanese community in Egypt, approximately 100,000 Sudanese nationals are set to depart from Cairo next Monday as part of an ongoing voluntary repatriation initiative, according to Omayma Abdullah, Chairperson of the Voluntary Return Committee for Sudanese Citizens.
Abdullah expressed her deep gratitude for the continued support extended to Sudanese refugees by the Egyptian government since the onset of the conflict in Sudan.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his generous and compassionate care for the people of Sudan,” Abdullah stated. She also praised the role of Sudan’s Ambassador to Cairo, Imad El-Dawi, describing him as instrumental in offering assistance and maintaining active coordination on behalf of the Sudanese community in Egypt.
Abdullah emphasized the warmth and solidarity Sudanese nationals have felt during their time in Egypt. “We never felt like strangers here. It is as though we never left Sudan. The Sudanese people owe Egypt a debt of gratitude that will never be forgotten,” she said.
The voluntary return program, overseen by Abdullah’s committee, was launched three months ago to help Sudanese nationals wishing to return home. According to her, the repatriation process is being carried out in an orderly fashion and in close coordination with the relevant authorities in both Egypt and Sudan.
In what marks a major milestone in the program, Abdullah announced that roughly 100,000 Sudanese are scheduled for repatriation next week, underscoring the scale and urgency of the operation. She stressed the importance of expanding the number of beneficiaries, especially given the gradual improvement in security conditions within parts of Sudan.
While Egypt has long served as a key host nation for displaced Sudanese, particularly following the eruption of violent conflict in April 2023, the voluntary return plan comes at a time when both regional and international stakeholders are exploring longer-term solutions for refugees and displaced persons from Sudan.
The initiative reflects growing optimism among some Sudanese nationals about returning to their homeland, although challenges remain on the ground in terms of stability, infrastructure, and basic services.
Abdullah concluded by reaffirming her committee’s commitment to ensuring that all returnees are supported throughout the process, and she called for continued international support to help rebuild Sudan and assist its returning citizens.
