By Enyichukwu Enemanna
European Union (EU) has approved the sum of €20 million (about $22 million) to Egypt as an assistance to Cairo in playing host to thousands of Sudanese fleeing their country as refugees in Egypt.
At a meeting of Egypt’s top diplomat with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Sunday, the officials talked among other things strategic relations, economic partnership and close cooperation in the Mediterranean, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a tweeted.
The EU representative said the allocation is part of support to Egypt as it welcomes refugees from neighbouring Sudan.
“In very few days more than 200,000 people has been hosted in Egypt, and I have to thank you for that and also, the European Union will provide an immediate assistance of €20 million (about $22 million) to help you to address this new wave of Sudanese refugees on your Southern border. I know it is not enough, I know you are going to pay much more, but at least, let us to contribute a little bit in your support”.
Sameh Shoukry and Josep Borrell’s Cairo meeting took place after a deadly Greek migrant boat accident.
A trawler sank off the coast of Greece last week, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing.
According to an NGO, Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project at least 1800 persons have been killed in the last two months since the war between Army general Al Burhane and paramilitary commadner Dagalo of the RSF broke out.
About two million people have been displaced, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, the United Nations says.
Citing a crackdown on “illegal activities” including fraud, Egypt announced earlier this month it would reverse a visa exemption for children, women and elderly people.
All citizens of neighbouring Sudan now have to obtain visas before crossing the border.
The U.N. says it received less than 16% of the $2.57 billion required to help those in need in Sudan in 2023. Another $470 million is needed to support refugees in the Horn of Africa region, the body added.
A pledging conference will hold later on Monday to raise funds to cover Sudan’s humanitarian needs.
Egypt was promised to receive about 80 million dollars for border management, search and rescue and anti-smuggling operations.
“There is no European country that is hosting the number (of Refugees) that Egypt is hosting, however we are doing this under the framework of our international commitment that we abide to, but also through the Egyptian historic stance in embracing and protecting our brothers but we need the continuity of assistance from our brothers in friendly countries because at the end it is a mutual interest.
Egypt has become a destination state and if things met with obstacles, it would turn again into a transit country.”
