Nine Egyptians Freed After 19 Months in Sudanese Captivity

Nine Egyptians were freed after 19 months of captivity by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, celebrating their return in Abo Shanab, Egypt. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in severe humanitarian issues, while recent reports reveal human rights violations. The captives recounted their distressing experiences, alleging false accusations and multiple prison transfers. The conflict also involves accusations of foreign intervention from various nations.

Nine Egyptians, who endured 19 months of captivity at the hands of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, returned to Egypt on Thursday amid public celebrations. Ahmed Aziz Masry, one of the freed captives, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Praise be to God. A new age begins for us today. Our life starts anew from today”, as villagers gathered to welcome him in Abo Shanab, located 110 kilometers southwest of Cairo.

The precarious situation in Sudan continues as conflict between the army and the RSF escalated since April 2023, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and hunger. A recent United Nations report highlighted severe human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions and torture inflicted by both the RSF and the Sudanese army.

The Egyptian captives had been residing in Khartoum for years, engaged in the importation of household items. One of them, Emad Moawad, recounted his ordeal, saying he intended to return home once the fighting began but found the airport closed. He shared, “Sixty-five days later, the RSF raided our house and held us captive for over 19 months.”

Masry further detailed the hardships they faced, asserting that they were wrongly accused of espionage for Egyptian intelligence. He recounted, “Every few months, they would tell us they are releasing us but then put a blindfold on our heads and send us to another prison.” Eventually, after being transferred between prisons, they were handed over to the Sudanese Army, which facilitated their journey back to the Egyptian embassy and subsequently, Cairo.

The ongoing conflict has attracted international attention, with accusations exchanged between the RSF and foreign nations regarding military support. The RSF has alleged that Egypt favors the Sudanese army, while the army has claimed that the United Arab Emirates supplies arms to the RSF.

In summary, the safe return of the nine Egyptian captives marks a significant event amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in widespread humanitarian issues. The captives’ testimony highlights the challenges faced during their prolonged detention, underscoring serious violations of human rights occurring within the context of the escalating violence. The international implications of this conflict further complicate the situation as various nations become implicated in the struggle for power in Sudan.

Original Source: www.usnews.com