Three Sudanese returnees have died at the Arqin border crossing between Egypt and Sudan, where more than 10,000 people have reportedly been stranded for three consecutive days in extreme heat exceeding 46 degrees Celsius.
Returnees said the crisis began after transport companies collected full payments for tickets and luggage transport to Khartoum and other Sudanese cities, but abandoned passengers at the crossing after they disembarked from Egyptian buses.
According to those stranded at the border, passengers were then asked to pay an additional 250,000 Sudanese pounds per person to continue their journey to Omdurman.
The situation has triggered growing anger among returnees, who accused the de facto authorities of urging Sudanese citizens to return to Khartoum and other states while failing to provide basic support or onward transport once they reached the border.
Witnesses said thousands of people, including families, elderly passengers and children, have been left exposed to harsh conditions under the scorching sun, with limited access to shelter, water and medical assistance.
The deaths have intensified concerns over the lack of coordination and oversight at key return routes used by Sudanese fleeing Egypt or attempting to go back to areas they believe are becoming safer after months of conflict.
The Arqin crossing has become one of the main transit points for Sudanese nationals moving between Egypt and Sudan since the outbreak of the war, but repeated complaints have emerged over overcrowding, high transport costs and weak humanitarian response at the border.
No immediate official comment was reported from the authorities regarding the deaths or the allegations against transport companies.
