According to the UNHCR, an estimated two to five million Sudanese people are living in Egypt, including over 52,000 registered Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers. Throughout history, Egypt has served as a transit state and settlement destination for individuals escaping violence and crises, including South Sudanese refugees who fled conflict in their home country and sought safety in Egypt. These refugees, having escaped violent attacks and sexual assaults during the Sudanese war, now find themselves dispersed across various areas in Egypt. With its reputation as a volatile and diverse region, Egypt is home to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, with significant concentrations in Greater Cairo and Alexandria. Egyptian leaders have expressed pride in the nation’s history as a safe haven for the oppressed and those fleeing wars, promising protection to their Arab and African brethren (Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Arab Affairs, cited in UNHCR, 2019).
The lives of South Sudanese in Egypt are marked by high unemployment, exclusion, and extreme poverty, partly due to the fact that they have relocated to a country burdened with its own economic, social, and political challenges. Consequently, opportunities for refugees and immigrants are limited, particularly for those who do not qualify for Egyptian citizenship and the associated benefits. Additionally, South Sudanese living in Egypt, especially children, continue to face various forms of violence based on color, race, and ethnicity from their local peers, both at school and in public spaces.
In their attempt to survive and integrate into their new environment, South Sudanese refugees have developed a sense of community and social solidarity. They have established various forms of mutual assistance through social initiatives, demonstrating their capabilities and affirming collective identities in response to experiences of discrimination in Egyptian society, where the dignity of South Sudanese people is often disregarded (Greater Equatoria meeting, February 2019).
It is noteworthy to examine the role of local South Sudanese entities in Alexandria, as they contribute to promoting social solidarity and cohesion within the South Sudanese community, while preserving their culture. These self-help efforts and gatherings serve material and socio-political purposes, but they do not align with generally Eurocentric concepts of civil society, human rights activism, resistance, or citizenship.
In Alexandria, the third-largest city in Egypt, there is a noticeable presence of South Sudanese refugees. Many of them receive support primarily from international NGOs, which provide humanitarian assistance such as food, medication, schooling, healthcare, and integration programs aimed at empowering refugees socially and economically. These organizations also offer psychological support to help individuals overcome the trauma of war and the sense of “otherness” in their new environment. However, not everyone can benefit from these services due to various reasons, such as limited access to information or lack of time, especially for those who have full-time jobs and struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
One prominent place of support for South Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers is the Sacred Heart Church, a Catholic church located in the residential neighborhood of “Al-Ibrahimya” in Alexandria. Besides its religious role, the church organizes several social and cultural activities for South Sudanese women and children in collaboration with international NGOs that support refugees in Alexandria. Father Jal, a native of southern Sudan, leads and coordinates the Sacred Heart Church. Seventeen years ago, he left his hometown of Aweil, seeking to escape the civil war. Like millions of others who fled the conflict, he made his way to Egypt, settling in Alexandria. There, he enrolled at Alexandria University, embraced Catholicism, and eventually became the community’s first Sudanese-Egyptian novice within the Franciscan order. Through his leadership, the Sacred Heart parish provides aid to 58 Sudanese families, totaling more than 700 individuals, across Alexandria and the Nile Delta.
CNEWA sheds light on the challenges faced by the South Sudanese community in Alexandria and the efforts made by organizations such as the Sacred Heart Church and international NGOs to support them. The church not only serves as a place of worship but also acts as a hub for social and cultural activities aimed at fostering solidarity and preserving the South Sudanese culture.
Father Jal’s personal journey exemplifies the resilience and determination of many South Sudanese refugees. Having experienced the horrors of war and displacement, he not only pursued his own education but also dedicated himself to serving and leading his community in Alexandria. Through his efforts and the collaboration with international NGOs, the Sacred Heart Church has become a vital source of aid, assistance, and empowerment for South Sudanese families in the region.
As we look to the future of the nation, the South Sudanese community in Egypt, particularly in Alexandria, faces numerous challenges, including high unemployment, exclusion, and poverty. However, through their resilience and the support of organizations like the Sacred Heart Church and international NGOs, they are building a sense of community, social solidarity, and cultural preservation. It is essential for us to recognize their experiences, provide necessary resources, and work towards a more inclusive society that values the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their origin.
Egypt Migrations is always looking for people to contribute to our digital initiatives. Please contact team@egyptmigrations.com if you would like to join or support the organization.
Amira Elmasry Interned with Egypt Migrations and she studied Economics and Political Science at Alexandria University. She has been working in the development field for three years in areas related to Gender, Refugees and Migrants, and Education. Amira aims to promote a culture of dialogue, the value of acceptance of others, and peaceful coexistence through her initiative “OHANA” which educates refugee and Egyptian children about peace and non-violent communication
Egypt Migrations 