Foreign Nationals Evacuated Amid Ongoing Clashes in Sudan
Emergency Evacuation Flights Continue
As fighting continues between rival army factions in Sudan, foreign countries have rushed to evacuate their nationals from the conflict-ridden region. Emergency flights have been ongoing since the second week, with hundreds of people flown out overnight on military aircraft.
Sources say the sudden surge of violence, which erupted in the capital Khartoum on April 22, was sparked by former President Omar al-Bashir’s corruption trial. The trial, which began earlier this month, is seen as a significant turning point for the nation, embroiled in political and economic crises since al-Bashir’s ousting last year.
Germany, France, and Italy Join Evacuation Efforts
According to reports, Germany, France, and Italy are among the countries that have started evacuating their citizens from Sudan. On April 23, Germany successfully evacuated 100 people from the country, while France airlifted some of its nationals on April 25.
Italy has also confirmed that it will send a military aircraft to the capital Khartoum to evacuate its citizens. There are an estimated 6,000 Italian citizens in Sudan, including a number of aid workers and other professionals.
Local Authorities Assisting with Evacuation
Local authorities in Sudan have been actively cooperating with foreign governments to ensure the safe and speedy evacuation of foreign nationals. According to reports, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on April 23, stating that the government is willing to provide all necessary assistance to facilitate the evacuation process.
Earlier this week, the United States Embassy in Khartoum announced that it had organized three evacuation flights for its citizens, with a total of 200 people secured in the operation. The embassy also urged its citizens to leave Sudan immediately and to avoid all non-essential travel to the country until further notice.
Security Situation Remains Tense
Despite the ongoing evacuation efforts, the security situation in Sudan remains tense, with clashes between rival military factions continuing to escalate. Reports suggest that gunshots and explosions could be heard in the capital Khartoum on Monday, prompting fears of further violence.
The Sudanese government has appealed for calm, while the international community has called for an end to hostilities and the unconditional release of political prisoners. The UN Security Council is set to hold a closed-door meeting on April 28 to discuss the situation in Sudan.
Conclusion
The ongoing evacuation of foreign nationals from Sudan highlights the precarious security situation in the country, following the recent outbreak of violence between rival army factions. As foreign governments and local authorities continue to work together to ensure the safety of their citizens, it is hoped that peace and stability will soon be restored to the region. However, with tensions still running high, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Sudan and its people.
