Title: Congolese players stranded in Sudan finally repatriated, a mobilization on a diplomatic scale
This Monday, May 15, 2023, Congolese players Fabrice Ngoma, Steven Ebwela, Glody Lilepo and goalkeeping coach Eugène Bulayima were finally repatriated from their forced exile in Dongola, a town on the border between Sudan and Egypt. Blocked for several weeks following intense fighting in the region, they finally received help from the Congolese government to reach Egypt. They then took a flight to the city of Kinshasa where they were welcomed by the Minister of Sports, Kabulo Mwana Kabulo.
This event is the result of diplomatic mobilization on an international scale. Indeed, the DRC ambassador accredited to Egypt took an active part in this evacuation of Congolese nationals in danger, in coordination with the Congolese government. The security situation in this region of the world is extremely precarious and efforts to stabilize the situation there are of paramount importance.
This diplomatic mobilization also shows a cascading responsibility, exchanges between States and their involvement in a given situation can have major consequences on individuals, even entire countries. In this situation, the DRC was able to take its responsibilities by taking charge of the Congolese players stranded in Sudan.
The fate of Congolese nationals remains uncertain in this region of the world, as the security situation continues to deteriorate. The mobilization of different stakeholders is crucial to provide them with assistance. The situation of Congolese nationals abroad is a major issue for the Congolese authorities who must ensure their protection and repatriation in case of danger.