Envoy says attacks on South Sudanese in Egypt ‘result of economic hardship’  

JUBA – South Sudan’s ambassador to Egypt has said that attacks on South Sudanese citizens in the North African country are a result of economic hardship, saying crimes have become phenomenon even among the Egyptians themselves.

This comes after a young boy in the Cairo neighborhood of Ain Shams was attacked, taken to an apartment along with his two sisters where he was forced to wash dishes while being insulted and later on had his private parts being burned using a lighter.

His sisters were later on forced to film naked. The incident took place on Friday and the Egyptian authorities stepped in and apprehended the suspects, according to the Egyptian embassy in Juba, saying that an investigation was ongoing and the suspects are expected to be taken to court in two weeks’ time.

In a letter addressed to the ministry of foreign affairs in Juba, Ambassador Majak said the crimes have dramatically increased in recent years and are being committed even against Egyptian themselves saying such crimes could be result of economic hardship.

“It is worth mentioning that such crimes have become a phenomenon in the Egyptian society, usually even among the Egyptian themselves. It could be a result of economic hardship,” the letter dated May 5, 2021 reads in part.

He further confirmed that the criminals have been arrested and the Egyptian police was investigating them while under a two-week detention.

“Action was taken against the culprits and they are now in police custody for further investigation. Although the boy is a South Sudanese by origin, he and his family members are asylum seekers under protection of UNHCR,” he said.