Egypt Demands More International Aid as Refugee and Migrant Influx Surges

Egypt has complained that international aid is insufficient to cope with the increased influx of refugees and migrants entering the country. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced almost 8 million people, with about 450,000 moving north into Egypt, putting a strain on the nation's resources.

According to experts, Egypt is seeking various forms of support from the international community to address the growing refugee and migrant crisis. This includes financial assistance, resources, and policies to manage the influx effectively.

The World Food Programme (WFP) continues its emergency response efforts in Egypt, supporting 150,000 refugees and crisis-affected populations, including Sudanese newcomers, with monthly cash assistance in Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan. WFP is also distributing daily ready-to-eat food rations to displaced populations from Sudan upon their arrival at border crossings and key transit points. Since the onset of the crisis in April 2023, more than 247,000 individuals have received critical food assistance, with 4,912 receiving it in March 2024.

Why this matters: The surge in refugees and migrants entering Egypt due to the conflict in Sudan highlights the need for increased international support and collaboration to address the humanitarian crisis effectively. The strain on Egypt's resources emphasizes the importance of global solidarity in assisting countries hosting large numbers of displaced individuals.

The European Union has announced an 8-billion dollar aid package for Egypt, which includes both grants and loans over the next three years. The deal, signed in Cairo by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is intended to address concerns that economic pressure and conflicts in neighboring countries could drive more migrants to European shores. Egypt says there are nine million migrants in the country, including about 480,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers with the UN refugee agency.

Despite the EU aid package, many migrants are still opting to depart for Europe from Libya's coastline, with almost 6,000 Sudanese arriving in Italy in 2023. The situation is compounded by the decriminalization of people trafficking in Niger, a key migration hub in Africa. Italy is seeking support from other countries, including Albania, to temporarily house migrants while their asylum applications are processed.

Key Takeaways

• Egypt seeks more international aid to cope with influx of 450,000 refugees from Sudan.
• WFP provides food assistance to 150,000 refugees in Egypt, including 4,912 in March 2024.
• EU announces $8 billion aid package for Egypt to address migrant crisis and prevent EU arrivals.
• Despite EU aid, many Sudanese migrants still opt to depart for Europe from Libya's coast.
• Italy seeks support to temporarily house migrants while their asylum applications are processed.