Egypt Rejects Guardian Report on Sudanese Refugees, Says It Ignored Cairo’s Efforts – Middle East Monitor

Egypt has formally rejected a report published by the British newspaper The Guardian on the situation of Sudanese refugees in the country, arguing that it presented an incomplete picture and failed to acknowledge Egypt’s role in hosting people displaced by the war in Sudan.

The response came in a letter sent by Alaa Youssef, head of Egypt’s State Information Service, to the newspaper following publication of an article titled Poverty, racism and forced disappearances: why Sudanese war refugees are leaving Egypt for Europe. 

In the letter, Youssef challenged what he described as the report’s conclusions and argued that it overlooked key aspects of Egypt’s response since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023.

According to Youssef, Egypt has been among the countries receiving the largest number of people fleeing the war despite facing its own economic and regional pressures.

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He said millions of Sudanese live in Egypt, including about one million who arrived after the conflict began, and noted that many are integrated into education, employment and business activities.

Youssef said Egypt’s approach has been guided by humanitarian considerations and the historical ties between the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples.

He also highlighted what he described as a distinct Egyptian model for hosting displaced populations. Rather than placing refugees in camps, Egypt has allowed Sudanese arrivals to settle in cities and towns and access public services, including healthcare and education.

According to the State Information Service chief, this approach has helped integrate displaced Sudanese into local communities while preserving their dignity.

Youssef added that Egyptian institutions, working alongside international organizations, have continued to provide services to Sudanese families despite increasing pressure on national resources.

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