Reunited After Separation: Al-Safi Mahdi’s Journey to Rejoin His Family amidst Sudanese Conflict

Sudanese Families Separated Due to Egyptian Visa Rules

Reunited, Al-Safi Mahdi, a music teacher and prominent bandleader, was separated from his wife and three young children near the Sudanese border with Egypt on the first of June. He does not know when he will see them again.

Mahdi, like many families who left Khartoum to escape the war, left home without a required visa to enter Egypt. Both of his two eldest sons, aged 19 and 17, had to renew their passports, but the conflict paralyzed central government offices, making it impossible for them to do so.

As a result, Mahdi and his two eldest sons returned to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, while the rest of the family headed north to Cairo. The family made the decision to leave Bahri, part of the capital of Greater Sudan, after hearing heavy air strikes from their home.

Mahdi expressed his closeness to his young children and their refusal to accept his departure. He assured them that he would join them in Egypt in two or three days, but he knew it would be a long and difficult process.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which broke out on April 15, has led to more than 2.5 million people leaving their homes. Among the displaced, approximately 600,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Over 250,000 have crossed into Egypt, which began requiring all Sudanese to obtain entry visas on June 10.

Previously, Egyptian authorities only requested visas from men between the ages of 16 and 50, allowing many women, children, and the elderly to enter the country while men waited in Wadi Halfa, a northern Sudanese town, to apply for visas at the Egyptian consulate.

The United Nations reported that as of June 13, around 12,000 displaced families were residing in Wadi Halfa. Some of those who arrived in the town have recently moved to larger towns and cities in northern Sudan, hoping to change the rules to allow easier access for refugees.

The new Egyptian visa rules have also affected refugee women and the elderly. Saadiya Abdullah, an 80-year-old woman suffering from chronic health problems, expressed her dissatisfaction with being prevented from entering Egypt due to her illness and the lack of available treatment in Sudan.

Egypt claims that the new visa rules were implemented to counter “illegal activities.” However, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to inquiries about how these activities relate to women, children, and the elderly.

The United Nations has appealed to Sudan’s neighboring countries to keep their borders open. The United Nations World Food Program has opened a humanitarian corridor to deliver food from southern Egypt to Wadi Halfa.

In Wadi Halfa, some tent residents still hold onto the hope of reuniting with their families in Egypt. Nader Ismail, who has been living in Wadi Halfa with his eldest son for six weeks, described the difficult living conditions in the tents due to high temperatures. His only hope is to obtain a visa to be reunited with the rest of his family.

Sohair Siddig Ali, Mahdi’s wife, crossed into Egypt with their three young children after a long and difficult journey. She stated that Egypt was the only country open to them and that all she can do now is wait for the rest of the family to catch up. She speaks to them on the phone every day, but it is hard for them to be apart.

Since mid-April, battles have been taking place between the Sudanese army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, led by Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hamidti.” The conflict has resulted in over two thousand deaths, although experts believe the actual number is much higher.

What challenges are Sudanese families facing in obtaining the necessary visa documentation to reunite with their loved ones in Egypt

Ved early were able to secure visas and reunite with their families in Egypt, but for many, the process has been complicated and frustrating.

The change in visa requirements has led to the separation of numerous Sudanese families. Many, like Mahdi, were caught off guard and did not have the required documents to enter Egypt. The conflict in Sudan made it even more challenging for families to obtain the necessary paperwork, as government offices were unable to function properly.

For Mahdi and his two eldest sons, returning to Port Sudan was the only option. Meanwhile, the rest of the family had to continue their journey to Cairo. Mahdi promised his young children that he would join them in a few days, but he knew it would be a long and uncertain process.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has resulted in a significant number of people fleeing their homes. Over 600,000 displaced Sudanese have sought refuge in neighboring countries, with more than a quarter of a million seeking safety in Egypt. However, the recent visa requirement has added another layer of difficulty for these families.

Previously, Egyptian authorities only required visas from men between the ages of 16 and 50, allowing women, children, and the elderly to enter the country without a visa. Men could apply for visas at the Egyptian consulate in Wadi Halfa while waiting for approval. This policy allowed many families to stay together during their journey.

However, the new visa rules now apply to all Sudanese individuals, regardless of age or gender. This has left many families stranded, separated from their loved ones while they attempt to navigate the visa application process.

As of June 13, around 12,000 displaced families were staying in Wadi Halfa, hoping to obtain visas and reunite with their families in Egypt. Although some have been successful, it remains a challenge for many to obtain the required documentation.

The situation highlights the plight of Sudanese families who have been torn apart by conflict and are now faced with additional obstacles in their search for safety. The implementation of the new visa rules has led to further distress and uncertainty for these families, who are already dealing with the trauma of displacement.

Efforts should be made to ensure that families are not separated unnecessarily, and that processes are in place to facilitate the reunification of loved ones. It is essential that governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies work together to address the needs of these vulnerable families and provide them with the support they desperately need.