Sudanese Writer Idris Babiker Deported from Egypt Despite UNHCR Asylum Documents

Thirteen Sudanese and Egyptian human rights organizations condemned the forced deportation of Sudanese writer Idris Babiker from Egypt to Sudan. The groups also denounced the harsh and inhumane detention conditions he endured during his approximately 50-day detention, despite holding asylum documents issued by the UNHCR.

They called for an investigation into both the deportation and the detention circumstances.

Babiker reported being subjected to deliberate starvation and financial extortion while detained in Egypt. He was forced to pay for accommodation inside the detention facility, and his health deteriorated due to insects including lice and cockroaches in an environment lacking minimum standards of hygiene and healthcare.

Babiker described violent altercations with other inmates and systematic ill-treatment, receiving support only from fellow detainees in the absence of intervention from responsible authorities.

The organizations issued their statement on Tuesday, as AllAfrica reported. This comes amid deteriorating conditions for Sudanese refugees in Egypt since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023. Legal experts warned at the start of 2026 of a renewed wave of deportations and mass detentions targeting Sudanese nationals in Egypt.

At least six detainees of Sudanese nationality died in Egyptian custody over a span of six weeks last month, according to Radio Dabanga. The human rights groups stressed that such incidents, if proven, would violate international obligations on refugee protection, including prohibitions on arbitrary detention and guarantees of humane treatment.

Babiker's case highlights ongoing challenges for Sudanese fleeing conflict.