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Sudan: Refugees From Sudan Face Dire Conditions At Egypt’s Argeen Crossing


Argeen — As the political and military situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, thousands of refugees are attempting to flee to neighbouring countries. One of the primary routes is through the Argeen land crossing into Egypt. However, the process has proven to be extremely difficult, with reports of long waits and no access to basic amenities. The crossing has seen a significant increase in traffic, with more than 20 buses arriving daily.

According to reports from people who have recently crossed, refugees must go through both the Sudanese and Egyptian border control checkpoints, a process that can take more than 24 hours. After leaving the Sudanese side, refugees traverse a long stretch of road known as the ‘neutral zone’, which can take another 24 hours.

Once refugees arrive at the Egyptian side of the border, they say they are met with chaos and confusion. Reports indicate that the processing of refugees is slow and disorganised, with little food or water available. Many women and children are left sitting on buses with no air conditioning or basic amenities.

The cost of a bus ticket to the border has increased dramatically in recent days, despite the commitment of some bus companies – in Northern state for example – to keep the old prices fixed.

Writing for Middle East Eye, Azza Guergues interviewed Noon Abdelbassit, a 21-year-old medical student from Khartoum, who arrived at the Argeen crossing on 22 April after a 850 kilometre, $200-journey.

She explained that although she was able to cross the border, her brother and two uncles were not allowed in. They had to travel to Wadi Halfa, in northern Sudan, to apply for visas at the Egyptian consulate, which was closed at the time due to the Eid El Fitr holiday.

While Sudanese women and children do not require a visa to enter Egypt at land crossings, males aged between 16 and 50 need one.

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