Sudanese Refugees Face New Dangers in Cairo

An estimated 1.3 million Sudanese refugees have sought safety in Cairo, fleeing the civil war that erupted in April 2023. However, many report that life in the Egyptian capital has become a nightmare, marked by racism and an "intensifying campaign of arbitrary arrests and human rights violations." Since late 2025, there has been a surge in deportations of Sudanese nationals, reportedly without adequate risk assessments.

The challenging conditions in Egypt are compelling growing numbers of Sudanese refugees to consider further displacement. For some, this means contemplating a return to Sudan, while for many others, the only perceived option is an attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. This perilous journey is often undertaken due to the deep sense of hopelessness and lack of future prospects in Egypt.

Finding affordable housing and navigating the informal labor market present further struggles. Refugees often face inflated rent prices and are vulnerable to exploitation by employers who pay below minimum wage. The lack of legal status restricts their lives, leaving them in a state of limbo, as they are unable to fully contribute to the Egyptian economy or secure stable employment.