In the midst of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, people desperate to escape the violence have resorted to dangerous and life-threatening means in their pursuit of safety. Many have shared their heart-wrenching stories with the BBC, shedding light on the treacherous journeys facilitated by unscrupulous people smugglers who often exploit their victims in unimaginable ways.
Salama, a 25-year-old widow with two children, recounted her harrowing experience of attempting to cross the border into Egypt alongside her family. In August, Salama and her relatives were packed into a smuggler’s pick-up truck when it crashed, resulting in the death of her 65-year-old mother. Shockingly, the smugglers callously left Salama and her grieving family stranded in the desert, choosing to abandon them rather than help them bury their loved one.
The conflict, which erupted last April between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has displaced over 10 million people and forced an estimated 450,000 to flee to Egypt. The increasing danger prompted Salama to leave her home in Omdurman and seek refuge in the northern town of Gabgaba, known locally as “Gabgaba Airport” due to its influx of people desperately seeking an escape.
To navigate the treacherous desert terrain along the 1,200km border between Sudan and Egypt, people often turn to gold miners who possess the necessary knowledge and access to trucks. These smugglers charge exorbitant fees for their services, exploiting vulnerable individuals like Salama, who had to pay $300 (£235) per person. This amount was lost when she and her family were callously abandoned in the desert.
While accidents are common during these smuggling operations due to high-speed driving to evade authorities, robberies also pose a significant threat. Halima, a 60-year-old who fled after her home was attacked by RSF fighters, described an incident where her truck broke down, and they were ambushed by masked gunmen. Her belongings were stolen, and her daughter, a psychologist, tragically died the following day from a panic attack that went untreated.
The activities of these smugglers have only intensified as prices for their services have skyrocketed by 200% since the RSF attacks late last year in Gezira, a state that had previously provided a safe haven for those fleeing strife in Khartoum.
Despite the perilous journeys, the plight of Sudanese migrants does not end upon reaching Egypt. Without refugee status or proof of a scheduled appointment to apply for it, they risk deportation. The majority must travel to Cairo or Alexandria to register their names and acquire a yellow card, granting them legal work and monthly funds from the UN. However, the registration process encompasses long queues and extended waiting periods. Frustrations run high as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) faces a shortage of funds.
Christine Beshay, a spokesperson for UNHCR, acknowledged the challenges faced by those seeking refuge and explained the organization’s need to prioritize assistance. Medical services have been established at the border with assistance from the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Among the lucky ones who have obtained refugee status, Ibtessam voiced her concerns about the lack of financial support received since her arrival in June. Balancing rent and school fees on her own, she finds herself in a constant struggle, relying on desperately needed aid that has yet to materialize.
Salama, reunited with her children in Cairo, now resides in a cramped apartment with her extended family. Though she has received refugee status, the prospects of finding her own home seem bleak without sufficient support. While grateful for her newfound safety, the lingering anger and trauma from the loss of her mother make her resentful of the smugglers who benefited from the tragedy.
These stories of survival and resilience represent just a fraction of the experiences endured by Sudanese refugees seeking refuge in Egypt. The BBC has reached out to the Egyptian government for comment on these smugglers but has yet to receive a response.
Efforts by Sudan’s consulate in Aswan, together with the Egyptian government, aim to accelerate the visa process and increase the number of approved applications to facilitate legal entry for Sudanese refugees. However, the challenges faced by these individuals persist, leaving them with no choice but to risk their lives in search of safety and stability, only to encounter further obstacles upon reaching their destination.
Image credit: WFP/Jacques David