Dear Ambassador Nura ABBA Rimi,
Formal Complaint Regarding Traumatic Experiences of Nigerians at Cairo International Airport.
I am writing on behalf of Injustice Is Real, a non-profit organisation that advocates against injustice experienced by Nigerians anywhere in the world to express our deep concern and dissatisfaction with the treatment of Rev Dr. Isreal Kristilere, the CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Ltd and senior pastor of Shepardhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, Nigeria, a Nigerian citizen, during his recent transit through Cairo International Airport. The incident, captured in the accompanying video, highlights a distressing pattern of behaviour by airport authorities that has far-reaching implications for Nigeria-Egypt relations.
On April 30th, 2024, Rev. Dr. Kristilere reported being roped into a distressing situation during his travels. He was nearly jailed, subjected to prolonged interrogations, and faced undue hardship. Such treatment not only violates basic human rights but also undermines the trust between our nations. Despite complying with all regulations and presenting valid travel documents, he, in particular, was detained for hours without any clear justification. This traumatic experience left him feeling humiliated and distressed, severely impacting his mental well-being.
Rev. Dr. Isreal Kristilere and the 28 others whose intention for travelling was solely prigrimage purposes are not alone in facing such treatment at Cairo International Airport. Numerous Nigerians have shared similar harrowing experiences, indicating a pattern of behaviour that undermines the principles of hospitality and respect that should be afforded to all travellers. This is particularly troubling given the existing strong diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
Moreover, another Nigerian, a Mobil employee, encountered an equally distressing situation. He was detained and interrogated for hours, ultimately deported, and unable to attend his son's graduation in Dubai. During his ordeal, Egypt Air failed to provide accommodation, meals, or even the option to book a hotel within the airport, leaving him in a state of limbo until his eventual return to Nigeria on the next available flight.
These incidents have escalated to the extent that there is an ongoing case at the Federal High Court against Egypt Air, which attempts to shift the blame onto Cairo airport immigration. However, the consistent nature of these experiences suggests a coordinated approach rather than isolated incidents.
We would like to ask your consul what specific welfare and protection it provides to Nigerian travellers who experience these distressing incidents? What measures are in place to ensure that such unjust treatment does not happen again to Nigerian travellers?
How does the consul work with local Stakeholders to share expertise and build capacity to improve the experience of Nigerian travellers when they need help from the Egyptian authorities?
The distressing incidents at Cairo International Airport have far-reaching impacts on Nigerian travelers. These experiences create a climate of fear and anxiety among Nigerians traveling to Egypt, undermining their confidence in safe international travel. The psychological trauma and humiliation faced by individuals like Rev. Dr. Kristilere and others not only affect their mental health but also strain Nigeria-Egypt bilateral and diplomatic relations. This pattern of mistreatment necessitates urgent attention and action to ensure the dignity and rights of all Nigerian travellers are protected.
I would kindly urge the consulate to raise these allegations with the Cairo International Airport Authority and request an immediate investigation. Our hope is that no Nigerian traveller, regardless, should face such distressing circumstances. Strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt relies heavily on mutual respect and understanding, and it is crucial that these principles are upheld at all levels of interaction.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your speedy response to ensure that you uphold the dignity and rights of all Nigerian travellers.
Sincerely
#Injusticeisreal #ProtectNigerianTravelers #EndAirportAbuse #HumanRights #NigeriaEgyptRelations #JusticeForNigerians #TravelWithDignity #AirportAccountability #StopAirportTrauma #NigeriaDiasporaRights
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