Sudanese Authorities Admit 100 South Sudanese Stranded 2 Weeks on Sinai Vessel
Updated
Updated · sudanhorizon.com · Jul 3
Sudanese Authorities Admit 100 South Sudanese Stranded 2 Weeks on Sinai Vessel
1 articles · Updated · sudanhorizon.com · Jul 3
Summary
Sudanese authorities agreed to temporarily receive more than 100 South Sudanese passengers, ending a two-week standoff aboard the Sinai between Aswan and Wadi Halfa.
The group—mostly women and children—had joined a voluntary repatriation convoy for Sudanese citizens but lacked documents proving Sudanese nationality, leaving Sudan unable to admit them and Egypt unable to readmit them.
Sudan's embassy in Cairo and consulate in Aswan worked with Egyptian officials and Sudanese immigration authorities to arrange temporary entry and onward transport to South Sudan.
Consular staff coordinated with the Nile river navigation authority, maintained contact with passengers and shared food during the ordeal, which included the birth of a baby aboard the vessel.
The incident is likely to sharpen scrutiny of passenger identity checks in future voluntary return convoys organized for Sudanese nationals.