Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Akuei Bona Malwal, and UNHCR Country Representative Matthew Brook during their meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Photo|Courtesy - MoF&IC

South Sudan has raised concerns with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) over reports that some South Sudanese citizens in Egypt are being forced to return home, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Thomas Kenneth Elisapana said the matter was discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Akuei Bona Malwal, and UNHCR Country Representative Matthew Brook.

The discussions focused on cooperation between the government and UNHCR on refugee protection, as well as the conditions facing South Sudanese refugees in Egypt.

Elisapana said many of those registered with UNHCR are living in poor conditions in Cairo and Aswan.

“The meeting discussed situation of South Sudanese refugees in Egypt who registered to the UNHCR. And according to the information we have the South Sudanese refugees in Cairo or in Egypt in general they are being forced to be brought back to South Sudan and they are in Cairo, some are in Aswan and currently they are in inhuman situation,” he said.

He said UNHCR has pledged to investigate the reports and engage Egyptian authorities.

“After bringing the leadership of UNHCR, Mr. Matthew Brook promised to investigate the issue and address it with the leadership of the Arab Republic of Egypt,” he said.