Egyptian authorities deported Sudanese journalist Durra Gambo to Doha after detaining her for more than 12 hours at Cairo International Airport and denying her entry despite her reportedly obtaining prior security clearance, according to Sudanese media reports and the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate.
The syndicate said Gambo arrived in Cairo with an approved security authorization allowing entry but was unexpectedly informed upon arrival that she had been placed on Egypt’s entry-ban list.
According to the union and Sudanese outlets, Gambo was held inside the airport terminal for over twelve hours, during which her mobile phone and passport were confiscated before she was deported under security escort to the Qatari capital, Doha.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the move and said Gambo is an independent Sudanese journalist and former candidate for the syndicate leadership whose work has focused on media coverage and documenting the humanitarian and political impact of Sudan’s war.
The union also expressed concern over the timing of the incident, linking it to what it described as rising anti-Sudanese rhetoric and hate speech targeting Sudanese nationals in Egypt, warning that the case could further inflame tensions.
Sudanese reports further noted that Egyptian authorities have previously barred or deported Sudanese journalists, amid wider concerns among Sudanese media workers living in Egypt since the outbreak of war in Sudan.
