Egypt-Sudan river transport to resume after years-long halt

Egypt and Sudan are close to resuming river transport between the two countries after a six-year suspension, in a long-awaited step to revive their historic connection along the River Nile.

The Nile Valley River Navigation Authority said preparations are nearly complete to restart river traffic between Egypt and Sudan. The move is expected to restore regular riverboat journeys linking Aswan in southern Egypt with Wadi Halfa in northern Sudan.

Sudan’s Authority’s Director General, Naval Colonel Mohamed Adam Mohamed Abkar, confirmed that most of the technical, logistical and security arrangements required for the resumption have been finalised. He said the coming period will see the return of scheduled river voyages between the two cities.   

According to a statement by Sudan’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Abkar said river transport is a “real link” between the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples. He added that the return of services will make travel easier for citizens, support economic activity, and boost trade exchange, especially for small traders.

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As part of the preparations, the director general visited Wadi Halfa river port with a joint delegation that included representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, the Egyptian Consulate General in Wadi Halfa, and the Sudanese Consulate in Aswan. The delegation reviewed ongoing construction work related to the transport of passengers, goods and livestock.

Abkar said quay construction at the port has reached 75 per cent completion, stressing that the project is progressing according to plan. He also confirmed that the port is ready in terms of security and safety, with coordination in place among the relevant authorities.

He noted that the decision to resume navigation came under direct instructions from the transport ministries of both countries. 

The Sudanese official added that an upcoming coordination meeting between the two ministers will aim to resolve any remaining operational issues. Abkar said the return of river services is expected to provide urgent solutions to visa-related challenges and to have a positive impact on development in Wadi Halfa and surrounding areas.

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