Refugees struggle to survive in Egypt, forced to return to Sudan

Refugees who fled the conflict in Sudan to seek shelter in Egypt are facing a difficult dilemma, as the harsh realities of life in their host country force many to contemplate the perilous journey back to war-torn Sudan.

Over the past ten months, more than 450,000 people have crossed the border into Egypt, hoping for safety and stability.

However, the initial optimism has given way to a grim reality. The economic crisis in Egypt, exacerbated by a two-year downturn, has made it increasingly challenging for refugees to secure employment, proper housing, and essential support.

Soaring inflation, reaching a staggering 39.7 percent last year, has severely impacted the livelihoods of both the local population and the newly arrived Sudanese refugees.

Families, cramped into overcrowded apartments, find themselves sleeping on cold tile floors, with little hope of improvement. The struggle for basic necessities, coupled with the inability to secure stable employment and suitable housing, has prompted many to consider returning to Sudan, despite the ongoing conflict and perilous conditions.

The dire situation is exemplified by the experiences of individuals like Rehab, a single mother who has been in Egypt for seven months, unable to provide for her daughter.

Many refugees, facing the harsh reality of homelessness and unsafe living conditions, are choosing to return to Sudan, where they face the challenges of a war-ravaged environment.

Landlords in Egypt, citing reasons such as “excess wear-and-tear,” are increasingly evicting Sudanese families.

Under the shadow of the nationwide financial crisis, there is a growing anti-refugee sentiment, fueled by misinformation campaigns that wrongly attribute the economic downturn to vulnerable refugees.

Human rights organizations and Sudanese individuals in Egypt have raised concerns about the hostile environment. Rising rents, specifically targeting Sudanese residents, further compound the challenges faced by the refugees.

The government’s decision to audit the costs associated with the nine million refugees and migrants in the country adds to the uncertainty and fear among the displaced population.

As refugees grapple with eviction threats and limited options, the narrative is one of desperation. Unable to find stability in Egypt and facing hostility, many are left with the agonizing choice of returning to a war-torn homeland or enduring precarious conditions in a foreign land.

The plight of these refugees underscores the urgent need for international attention and support to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

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