Embassy in Sudan Says ‘Receiving Information’ of Ethiopians Killed in Ongoing Fighting
The Ethiopian Embassy has announced that it is receiving information regarding the death and injury of Ethiopians in the ongoing fighting that has erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, since Saturday. The embassy has urged Ethiopians living in Khartoum to avoid any form of confrontation and to follow the security measures set in place by the Sudanese authorities.
Background:
Sudan faces political uncertainty and violence since former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power in April 2019 following a popular uprising. A military-civilian transitional government was formed in August 2019, but political tensions and protests continue.
The recent wave of violence erupted last Saturday between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary unit, and Sudanese troops. The RSF has been accused of being responsible for the killing of protesters during the 2019 protests. Reports indicate the RSF was attempting to take control of a nearby plot of land. The clashes have prompted authorities to impose a curfew and a state of emergency in the city.
On Wednesday, the Ethiopian Embassy released a statement saying that it had received information regarding the death and injury of Ethiopians in the violence. The embassy did not provide any details regarding the number or identities of those affected.
Embassy Appeal:
The embassy has called on Ethiopians living in Khartoum to exercise caution and ensure their safety by avoiding any confrontation, sticking to the security measures set out by the Sudanese authorities, and staying in touch with the embassy.
“The Ethiopian embassy appeals to all Ethiopians residing in Khartoum, Sudan, to stay calm and vigilant in the current situation and to co-operate with the Sudanese government,” the statement read.
The embassy has also asked Ethiopian employers in Sudan to ensure the safety and security of their workers, especially those who are currently residing in areas affected by the violence.
Response from Ethiopian Leaders:
Following the announcement from the embassy, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed concerns about the situation in Sudan, calling for an end to the violence. In a tweet, the prime minister said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with innocent Ethiopians and other citizens affected by the sporadic violence in Khartoum. We call for an immediate end to the violence and a return to calm and stability.”
The prime minister has also called for a delegation to be sent to Sudan to help in addressing the situation.
“I have ordered a delegation composed of ministers and other high-level government officials to be dispatched to Khartoum immediately to support embassy efforts in assisting our citizens and engage with the Sudanese government,” he said in another tweet.
Conclusion:
The ongoing violence in Khartoum has raised concerns about the safety of Ethiopians living in Sudan. The Ethiopian Embassy has called for caution and urged those affected to cooperate with the Sudanese authorities. The government has taken immediate action, sending a delegation to Sudan and calling for an end to the violence. As the situation in Sudan remains uncertain, Ethiopians in the country must exercise caution and stay in contact with the embassy.
As the Ethiopian community in Sudan anxiously waits to hear more information from the government officials, the international community hopes that the situation deescalates quickly, and peace and stability can prevail in the country.
