Egypt halts commercial truck crossings to Sudan via Qustul port indefinitely

Egyptian authorities have suspended the passage of commercial trucks bound for Sudan through the Qustul land port indefinitely. Trucks are now required to gather at the city council garage and are barred from crossing by ferry until the situation stabilizes and new instructions are issued. However, travelers and non-commercial vehicles are still allowed to cross.

According to informed sources, the decision was made by the Qustul land port administration, which is part of Egypt's General Authority for Land and Dry Ports under the Ministry of Transport. The move follows ongoing developments in northern Sudan and their direct impact on trade between Egypt’s Qustul port and Sudan’s Ashkit port.

The suspension applies only to commercial trucks, while buses, coaches, private cars, microbuses, and travelers are exempt and may continue to cross freely. Commercial trucks will remain subject to the halt until further directives are issued.

On the Sudanese side, protests have continued for a second consecutive week in Wadi Halfa, coinciding with the complete closure of the Ashkit and Argeen border crossings with Egypt. This has resulted in a halt to shipping and customs clearance operations at both crossings.

The protests are in response to recent Sudanese decisions, including a ban on personal imports, restrictions on the entry of vegetables, fruits, and foodstuffs, and a significant increase in customs duties.