Nine Egyptians were freed after 19 months of captivity by Sudan’s RSF and celebrated their return to Abo Shanab, Egypt. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a humanitarian crisis, with allegations of mistreatment by both the army and RSF. The captives had been wrongfully accused and ultimately rescued by the Sudanese Army.
Nine Egyptians, held captive for 19 months by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), were freed and returned to Egypt, receiving a warm welcome on Thursday morning. Ahmed Aziz Masry expressed joy about the beginning of a new chapter in their lives upon arriving in his village, Abo Shanab, located 110 km southwest of Cairo. Residents celebrated their release by flooding the streets to honor the captives’ return.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the army and RSF, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, prompting mass displacements and critical food shortages. A recent UN report exposed a “widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees” perpetrated by both conflicting forces in Sudan.
The freed individuals had been in Sudan for years, engaging in the import of household items and small appliances for local markets. One of the captives, Emad Moawad, shared that he intended to fly home after the outbreak of fighting but was unable to do so due to the airport’s closure. After 65 days in his house, the RSF captured him and his associates.
Masry reported that they were wrongfully accused of espionage for Egyptian intelligence. He recounted instances where they were informed of potential releases only to be blindfolded and transferred to different prisons. Eventually, they were transported to a point controlled by the RSF before being turned over to the Sudanese Army, which facilitated their transit to the Egyptian embassy and then to Cairo. The conflict has also witnessed involvement from foreign nations, with accusations exchanged between forces regarding external support.
In summary, nine Egyptian captives returned home after an extended period of detention in Sudan, amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Their experiences highlight the harsh realities of the current situation in Sudan, including arbitrary detention and mistreatment by authorities. The international ramifications of the conflict further complicate the conditions faced by civilians caught in the turmoil.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
