Voluntary Return: Sudanese Say Goodbye to the Land of the Nile
Cairo – Sabah – Nazik
A mixture of joy, sorrow, and fear could be seen in the eyes of hundreds of Sudanese who, on Monday morning, began their journey back home, departing the Arab Republic of Egypt for Sudan. Each emotion had its own reason – joy at returning to their homeland after more than two years of refuge in Egypt due to the harsh war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces; sadness at leaving a country that welcomed and treated them as brothers; and fear of an uncertain future in areas of Sudan still suffering from a lack of basic services. These mixed emotions made for a poignant scene at Ramses Train Station in Cairo, as it bid farewell to the second train convoy organized by the Military Industry Corporation with support from the Egyptian government and the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo.
From early morning, Sudanese families flocked to the station carrying their belongings, waiting for the moment of departure. Elderly people, youth, and children voluntarily chose to return and settle back in their homeland, encouraged by the recent victories of the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum and Al-Jazirah states and the relative improvement in services. The growing demand led the Military Industry Corporation, as part of its social responsibility, to shift from organizing bus journeys to facilitating train travel, making the journey easier – especially for the elderly and children – and covering the full cost.
A diplomatic and political delegation from both Sudan and Egypt attended the farewell ceremony for the second train convoy as part of the Voluntary Return Project. Among the attendees were:
- Lt. Gen. Imad Al-Din Adawi, Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt
- Hossam Issa, former Egyptian Ambassador to Sudan
- Representatives of the Military Industry Corporation
- Egyptian actor Mohamed Riad
- Captain Haitham Mustafa, former player of Sudan’s Al-Hilal football club
- Along with Egyptian and Sudanese media outlets
Sudan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Lt. Gen. Imad Adawi, praised Egypt for the hospitality it extended to the Sudanese during their displacement and commended its ongoing support during this crisis. He noted that the return initiative aims to contribute to the reconstruction of Sudan with the help of Egypt.
Adawi also lauded the Military Industry Corporation, describing it as a major Sudanese institution with numerous social initiatives to ease the burden on the Sudanese people. He also extended deep thanks to the Egyptian-Sudanese Company, which played a vital role in this initiative.
Former Egyptian Ambassador to Sudan, Hossam Issa, noted that mutual visits between the leaderships of both nations had significantly enhanced trust among Sudanese citizens, encouraging them to return to densely populated regions – especially Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, and Sennar. He added that the Armed Forces’ victories in those areas were the beginning of further gains aimed at restoring stability across Sudan and resuming the transitional process.
For her part, Omayma Abdallah Saleh, Head of the Voluntary Return Project and Director of Social Responsibility at the Military Industry Corporation, said the corporation would continue transporting Sudanese citizens who wish to return through open-ended trips until the last person returns. She explained that over one million Sudanese had taken refuge in Egypt following the war, and that 187 bus trips had been arranged so far. She expected train journeys to be more comfortable and enjoyable – especially for the elderly and children – noting that train travel holds a special place in people’s memories.
Omayma also praised the efforts of the Egyptian government in supporting the Sudanese people and facilitating their return home.
Dr. Munjid Ibrahim, Director of Development at the Egyptian-Sudanese Company, emphasized Egypt’s commitment to standing by the Sudanese community, both in joy and hardship, and in overcoming all challenges. He pointed out their cooperation with the Military Industry Corporation in running the train journeys and noted that the corporation has the back of the Sudanese people, both inside and outside Sudan. He confirmed that these weekly trips will continue as long as there is interest from Sudanese wanting to return.
Egyptian actor Mohamed Riad expressed his hope that peace and stability will prevail in Sudan, stating that he loves Sudan and its people, considers it his second homeland, and had previously visited the country. He added:
“I wish all the best for the Sudanese people and a safe return to their homeland.”
Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=6687