Kenya launches evacuation operation from Sudan amid escalating crisis
Kenya has launched an operation to evacuate its citizens from Sudan due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has now entered its second week. The escalating crisis has forced hundreds of Kenyans to flee the country.
The conflict
The conflict began after the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in April this year. The transitional military council, which took over after al-Bashir was deposed, signed a power-sharing agreement with the opposition in August. However, tensions have risen in recent weeks between the military and the opposition over the transitional government’s composition and the role of the RSF.
The RSF, which has been accused of being responsible for human rights abuses in the country, including the recent killing of peaceful protesters, has been a source of concern for many in Sudan. The paramilitary force is made up of former Janjaweed militias who were involved in the Darfur conflict.
Kenya’s evacuation operation
According to the Kenyan government, the evacuation operation was launched to ensure the safety and security of its citizens in Sudan. The operation involves the use of two Kenyan Air Force planes, which began airlifting citizens out of the country on Sunday.
“We have started an operation to bring Kenyans out of Sudan… We urge those in the affected areas to take advantage of this operation,” said Monica Juma, the Kenyan Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary.
Kenya’s embassy in Khartoum has been working closely with the Sudanese authorities to help facilitate the evacuation process. The embassy has also urged Kenyan citizens to stay away from areas where there are demonstrations or violence.
Reactions to the crisis
The crisis in Sudan has attracted attention from across the world, with many countries and international organizations expressing concern over the situation.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into the killing of peaceful protesters by the RSF, while the African Union has suspended Sudan, saying that the military council’s actions pose a threat to peace and security in the region.
In Kenya, the opposition has criticized the government’s response to the crisis in Sudan, with some accusing the government of not doing enough to help Kenyan citizens in the country.
The way forward
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created an uncertain future for the country and its citizens. With tensions rising and the situation on the ground becoming increasingly volatile, it is unclear what the future holds for Sudan.
However, the evacuation of Kenyan citizens from the country is a positive step towards ensuring their safety and security. The Kenyan government has urged other countries with citizens in Sudan to take similar measures to evacuate them from the conflict zone.
In the meantime, it is essential that the international community continues to place pressure on the Sudanese authorities to bring an end to the conflict and to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. Only then can the country move towards a peaceful and stable future.
