Egypt offers free train rides for Sudanese refugees returning after civil war

In April 2023, Sudan descended into civil war, leading to widespread violence and a significant humanitarian crisis. The conflict predominantly involves the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, seeking control over the government and territory. As a result, over 40,000 people have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced; over 1.5 million Sudanese have fled to Egypt, becoming refugees. On July 21, 2025, the Egyptian government initiated a program to assist these refugees by offering free train rides to Khartoum, Sudan's capital, to rejoin their families. Train users gathered at the Cairo central train station, eager to embark on their journey back home. The trek consists of an approximately 12-hour train ride to Aswan, southern Egypt, followed by a transfer to buses and ferries that will cross into Sudan. Participants prepared for the trip with personal belongings packed in small suitcases, embodying mixed emotions of joy and sadness as they left Egypt; some expressed relief at returning to reconnect with their families despite the heartbreaking circumstances prompting their departure. In recent months, Sudan has experienced gradual recovery since the Sudanese Armed Forces reclaimed Khartoum from the RSF on May 20, 2023. Although the city now welcomes residents back, it still faces challenges with damaged infrastructure, including destroyed buildings and a lack of basic services like electricity. Despite these hurdles, residents are returning, and local markets are slowly reopening. The ongoing crisis has spurred international concern as millions remain displaced, requiring urgent attention to help both returnees and those still within Sudan struggling to navigate daily life amidst adversity. This initiative by Egypt to support Sudanese refugees highlights the impact of the protracted conflict on neighboring countries and emphasizes the need for continued assistance to address one of the largest displacement emergencies in the world today. With significant population movements, cooperation between nations will play a vital role in facilitating safe returns and rebuilding communities in Sudan.