Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in an interview with CNN that Egypt currently houses five million Sudanese who have sought refuge due to economic circumstances in their home country over the past three decades.
The foreign minister emphasized that Egypt continues to permit daily entry of Sudanese arriving at the Egyptian border due to the ongoing military conflict in Sudan. He noted that entry is now granted after obtaining a visa for reasons related to security concerns and to prevent unwanted individuals, such as terrorists and organized crime figures, from infiltrating the country.
The Minister pointed out that Egypt bears a significant burden in hosting these displaced individuals. Nevertheless, it does so out of respect for the bond between the two nations and in response to the humanitarian circumstances of the Sudanese people.
While the Minister’s speech concluded, crowds continue to flood the borders. Meanwhile, Egypt has augmented its consular offices with more staff to expedite the visa granting process for those Sudanese with no security concerns obstructing their entry. Over 250,000 Sudanese citizens have entered the country, causing significant disarray at the border, especially as many arrived without substantial resources.
The border region between Egypt and Sudan warmly welcomes thousands of displaced individuals. The people of Aswan, executive bodies, security agencies, and civil society organizations have received their brethren and hosted many in camps and civilian homes. This has earned the appreciation of the Sudanese people, who have always considered Egypt their second home – a sentiment that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has repeatedly affirmed.
