Egyptians freed after months of RSF captivity in Sudan in coordinated operation with Sudanese Army
A group of Egyptian nationals, detained for months by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces militia (RSF), have been freed and returned home following a carefully coordinated operation involving Egyptian and Sudanese authorities. The development marks a significant diplomatic and security breakthrough amid the ongoing Sudanese conflict.
The freed individuals had been residing in Khartoum, working as traders in household goods, according to Egyptian sources who spoke to Daily News Egypt on condition of anonymity. When war broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF in April 2023, the Egyptians became trapped in the escalating violence.
As RSF forces gained control over areas of the Sudanese capital, they began seizing properties belonging to Sudanese nationals and foreign residents. The Egyptian traders were among those targeted after choosing to remain in Khartoum to protect their livelihoods. However, the decision led to their capture and detention by RSF fighters in areas under their control.
Reports suggest the captives were subjected to harsh conditions, with limited access to communication, food, and medical care. While other foreign nationals fled the country through evacuation corridors, these Egyptians remained in RSF custody.
Egyptian authorities had been working for months behind the scenes to secure the release of the detainees. Sources said the rescue mission was initiated under direct orders from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who instructed security agencies to explore all possible avenues for their safe return. The complexity of the Sudanese war and the fragmented nature of its warring factions required a delicate blend of intelligence gathering, negotiations, and security coordination with Sudanese counterparts.
A major obstacle was ensuring the detainees could be safely extracted from central Khartoum, an area witnessing fierce clashes between RSF and SAF forces. Egyptian intelligence operatives, in coordination with Sudanese authorities, worked to pinpoint the captives’ locations, paving the way for their transfer to safer territory.
Egyptian and Sudanese officials ultimately managed to transfer the group from Khartoum to Port Sudan—a key coastal city under the control of the Sudanese government. From there, arrangements were made for their repatriation to Egypt.
The detention of Egyptians in Sudan is not an isolated incident. Since the onset of the conflict, the RSF has been accused of systematic looting, forced recruitment, and detaining foreign nationals for leverage. The paramilitary group, which initially operated as an auxiliary force under Sudan’s military, has grown into a powerful militia.
In territories under its control, the RSF has reportedly seized businesses, banks, and personal properties, often using extreme force. Many Sudanese citizens, as well as foreigners, have fallen victim to these tactics.
The release of the detainees comes amid Egypt’s broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Sudanese war. Since the conflict erupted, Cairo has positioned itself as a key regional player seeking to mediate between Sudan’s rival factions. Egyptian officials have held multiple rounds of talks with both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces in an attempt to broker a ceasefire and prevent further spillover of violence into neighbouring countries.
Egypt has also been actively involved in evacuation efforts for its nationals. Since April 2023, the Egyptian government has facilitated the repatriation of more than 10,000 citizens through air, land, and sea routes.
Despite its diplomatic role, Egypt has found itself entangled in the war’s political narratives. In late 2024, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) accused Egypt of deploying military aircraft to support the Sudanese Armed Forces in battles against the RSF. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly denied these claims, dismissing them as “baseless accusations designed to mislead public opinion.”
Egyptian officials reiterated that Cairo’s primary objective remains stabilising Sudan and facilitating humanitarian relief efforts. The ministry also urged the international community to scrutinise Hemedti’s statements, emphasising that Egypt has consistently supported peaceful solutions rather than military involvement in the conflict.
News of the detainees’ release was met with an outpouring of relief, with many Egyptians expressing gratitude toward the country’s leadership. Videos and images from their arrival in Egypt showed emotional reunions with family members, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
The successful return of these Egyptians marks a significant moment in Egypt-Sudan relations, reaffirming the level of security cooperation between the two countries.
For Egypt, ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad remains a top priority, particularly in neighbouring countries experiencing instability. Moving forward, Egyptian authorities are likely to continue working with international and regional partners to monitor the situation in Sudan and prevent further threats to their nationals.
As for the freed Egyptians, their safe return home serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of conflict zones—and the delicate negotiations often required to bring hostages back from captivity.
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