Detained Sudanese Students in Egypt Risk Missing National Exams

Egypt April 5, 2026 ; Sudanese families in Egypt are voicing growing concern as several secondary school students remain in detention just days before national exams are set to begin on April 13, raising fears they could miss a critical academic milestone. The detentions come amid a broader crackdown by Egyptian authorities on foreign nationals, a campaign that has affected thousands of Sudanese residents, including some with valid documentation. Families say the situation threatens to prevent the students from sitting for the Sudan School Certificate examinations, potentially jeopardizing their academic futures. One parent said her son has been held for several weeks, prompting the family to consider sending him back to Sudan to ensure he does not lose the school year, despite ongoing insecurity there. Another parent described the prospect of returning as both difficult and psychologically taxing, particularly given the uncertainties surrounding travel and safety. Officials at the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo said the number of detained students remains limited, adding that efforts are underway to secure their release or facilitate their return to Sudan in time for the exams. Authorities are also exploring alternative arrangements to allow affected students to sit for exams individually or in small groups if necessary. Coordination between Sudanese and Egyptian officials is ongoing, with a focus on ensuring that students can access examination centers under stable conditions. In a joint statement, rights organizations called on Egyptian authorities to expedite legal procedures for detained students and consider temporary documentation measures to allow them to move freely during the examination period. They also urged all parties to safeguard the education sector from the impact of conflict. Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, Sudan’s national examination system has faced significant disruptions, including delays, damage to educational infrastructure, and widespread displacement of students and teachers.