Over two thousand Sudanese return from Egypt and Libya
May 16, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – More than 2,000 Sudanese citizens arrived in Khartoum from Egypt on Friday in a 50-bus convoy organized by a voluntary repatriation initiative, while a flight from Libya landed in Port Sudan carrying 166 citizens.
The Al-Amal (Hope) Committee is one of the newest initiatives facilitating the return of thousands of Sudanese from Egypt. Formed last March by Sudanese businessmen, the committee funds free air and land transport for citizens wishing to return home.
Airports and border crossings between Sudan and Egypt are experiencing a notable surge in the number of returning Sudanese refugees, with approximately 20 buses arriving in the country daily.
Friday’s convoy marks the largest voluntary repatriation group from Egypt to date. Dozens of families, residents, and traders gathered at the Omdurman popular market to welcome their returning relatives.
Returning families expressed their happiness at arriving home, praising the organization of the voluntary repatriation program and the smooth procedures that facilitated their journey to Khartoum.
An estimated 426,000 people have returned from Egypt through voluntary repatriation programs out of 1.5 million who fled to the neighbouring country after the conflict broke out three years ago.
Returnees from Libya
In a related development, the fourth group of Sudanese returnees from Libya arrived at Port Sudan airport on Friday.
Ambassador Onour Ahmed, director of the consular department at the foreign ministry and member of the high committee for returnees from Tripoli, announced the arrival of 166 citizens at Port Sudan airport aboard a Libyan Afriqiyah Airways flight.
The ambassador confirmed that entry procedures were completed smoothly before the returnees departed for Khartoum and Gezira states.
He stated that the repatriation program is proceeding on schedule, with a fifth flight expected on Saturday. Three flights took place last week, and the remaining flights of the seven-flight air bridge are scheduled for next week.
Ambassador Onour praised the Port Sudan airport administration for expediting entry procedures despite heavy traffic, which coincides with the departure of pilgrims to the Holy Sites.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation to the Libyan government for sponsoring the voluntary repatriation program and funding the flights. He noted that the program also includes arrangements for additional sea returns from Tripoli after the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Hanaa Youssef, a representative of the International Alliance organization, said the group provided social and medical assistance to the returnees upon their arrival at Port Sudan airport.