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
