Mohamed Wadaa Committee (Whatever Happened, Happened)

From Time to Time
Shadia Sayed Ahmed

Two days ago, we published news about the suspension of a voluntary return train due to excess luggage. The situation is extremely challenging, Engineer Mohamed Wadaa, and the task before you is even more difficult. Therefore, you must maintain strict control and enforce the regulations firmly—there is simply no other option.
It is true that every returning citizen wishes to bring as many belongings as possible, especially considering the looting and theft many homes have suffered, not to mention the difficult economic conditions in Sudan caused by the war. These circumstances undoubtedly make the work of the Hope Committee more complicated. However, there must be limits and regulations that everyone understands and respects in order to facilitate not only their own return but also the return of every Sudanese citizen wishing to come home voluntarily.
To our fellow Sudanese in Egypt who are planning to return through the Hope Committee: adherence to the committee’s rules and regulations is essential if we are to help one another. What has happened has already made the committee’s work more difficult, and consequently, your return becomes more challenging as well. If it is absolutely necessary to transport large quantities of belongings without regard to the established limits, then alternative means of transportation should be considered.
I realize that these words may seem somewhat harsh, but there are no practical alternatives. If we want the committee’s work to continue successfully, we must all comply with the baggage limits it sets. At the same time, the committee must enforce these regulations firmly and without exception, treating everyone equally. It should clearly specify the permitted number of luggage items and inform all returnees that anyone who violates these rules may lose their opportunity to travel through the committee’s arrangements.
This is the only way to ensure that the return process is completed smoothly and efficiently, allowing people to return safely to their homeland. It is not necessary to carry every single possession with us. Sudan, after this devastating war, requires tremendous rebuilding efforts, and it is impossible to compensate for all losses at once.
We all wish to return voluntarily to our beloved Sudan, particularly in light of the economic difficulties facing many Sudanese currently residing in Egypt. Therefore, we must support one another and make the work of the Hope Committee easier, both for ourselves and for others. Otherwise, the committee may be forced to suspend its operations, and in that case, none of us will benefit.
Let us join hands and work together for our own sake and for the sake of Sudan, so that we do not find ourselves regretting later and repeating the phrase, “Whatever happened, happened.”
May God help our country and its people, and may He also support Engineer Mohamed Wadaa’s committee in carrying out this important mission.
God is the ultimate guide to the right path.
Shadia Sayed Ahmed
Cairo
Monday, June 15, 2026.