Truck drivers stranded at Egypt-Sudan border due to slow Sudanese measures: Ministry

CAIRO – 21 August 2023: The Egyptian Ministry of Transport has blamed the reported stranding of truck drivers at the border with Sudan mainly on the “slow customs clearance measures” by the Sudanese side.

Over the past days, media platforms have been circulating footage showing many trucks delivering goods to Sudan while stranded at the airport and facing difficulties amid the high rise in temperatures.

In a statement on Sunday, the ministry said the main reason for the stranding of the trucks in Arqin and Qustul border crossings is the slow measures by the Sudanese side, which work for a limited duration during the day.

The ministry said this also come in parallel with the increase in the volume of Egyptian exports to Sudan.

Tackling issue

In the wake of the issue, the Ministry of Transport has maintained full coordination with all ministries and other concerned parties to quickly ease the movement of trucks and prevent their stranding at border crossings.

The ministry also coordinated with relevant authorities to send ambulances to the scene and distribute water bottles and food meals.

New system

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli approved a new system to organize the arrival of trucks at the border areas, the ministry said.

Accordingly, trucks heading to Arqin border crossing will gather in Aswan, while those heading to Qustul will gather in Abu Simbel.

All forms of healthcare and food services will be provided to the truck drivers, the ministry added.

Trucks will be sent to the border crossings in accordance with the capacity of each crossing.

Upgrading logistical areas

In coordination with Aswan Governorate, the ministry also started expanding and developing the current logistical areas in Aswan’s Wadi Karkar and Abu Simbel to accommodate the increasing movement of trucks and prevent their congestion.

Also, service areas will be established to include toilets, cafeterias, a mosque as well as ambulance points to provide rapid medical aid and deal with emergencies, the ministry added.