Sudanese intelligence sponsors voluntary return trips from Egypt

April 11, 2026 (CAIRO) – Voluntary return trips for Sudanese nationals in Egypt resumed on Saturday, with Sudan’s General Intelligence Service (GIS) sponsoring the first convoy following the conclusion of an earlier phase managed by the Defence Industries System.

An estimated 426,000 people have returned from Egypt through voluntary programs out of approximately 1.5 million who fled to the neighbouring country since the conflict began three years ago.

Sudan’s Ambassador to Cairo, Emad al-Din Adawi, saw off travellers at Cairo’s Ramses Station. He stated that the resumption began with “Train No. 41,” consisting of 10 carriages transporting 1,100 Sudanese passengers toward Aswan, before they continue to various cities across Sudan.

Adawi clarified that the trip was free of charge, funded by the GIS, and confirmed that subsequent free trips would follow with continued support from the agency.

According to International Organization for Migration (IOM) data from March 5, approximately 3.6 million displaced people have returned to their homes, with 17% returning from abroad. About 1.6 million individuals have returned specifically to the capital, Khartoum.

The wave of returns coincides with a perceived improvement in security following the army’s recapture of Sennar, Gezira, and parts of Khartoum state.

Adawi noted that the historic Ramses station had seen a surge in Sudanese travellers eager to return following recent military advances by the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied groups. He added that Sudanese nationals in Egypt are treated as “brothers and dear guests.”

Despite the voluntary programs, many Sudanese in Egypt have reported a severe protection crisis. Increased security crackdowns have led to the detention and eventual deportation of many individuals, with recent reports highlighting fatalities in detention centres due to harsh conditions.