US and France Evacuate Diplomats From Sudan As Battles Rage On
Evacuation Underway Amid Ongoing Conflict
Khartoum/Sudan — The United States and France have begun evacuating their respective embassy staff and diplomats from Sudan due to ongoing military conflicts. The evacuation was prompted by eight days of battles between rival military factions in the country, which have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
In a statement, the US State Department confirmed the evacuation of embassy staff and their families, noting that they had left Sudan on Sunday via chartered aircraft. The French government also announced the evacuation of its diplomats.
Unrest Causing Humanitarian Crisis
The escalating conflict in Sudan has caused a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an increase in the number of patients suffering from gunshot wounds and other injuries, while food and water shortages are exacerbating the situation.
According to the United Nations (UN), at least 54,000 Sudanese have crossed the border into neighboring Ethiopia, while around 7,000 have sought refuge in South Sudan. The UN is warning that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and has called on all parties to end the violence and return to the negotiating table.
International Community Calls for Dialogue
The international community has also urged the rival military factions in Sudan to seek a peaceful solution through dialogue. The African Union (AU) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, while the United States and France have both expressed their support for a negotiated settlement.
In a statement, the US State Department said that it was “deeply concerned” about the ongoing violence in Sudan, and called on all parties to “immediately cease hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.”
Similarly, French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said that “It is essential that all parties immediately return to dialogue and engage in a constructive manner in the search for a political solution to the current crisis.”
Uncertainty Looms in Sudan
Despite the calls for peace, uncertainty looms in Sudan as the competing factions show no sign of backing down. The conflict initially began when the military ousted long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, following months of protests against his 30-year rule.
Since then, the country has been ruled by a transitional government made up of civilians and military leaders, but tensions have been high between the two factions. The current conflict erupted on July 19 when factions supporting the civilian government clashed with those backing the military, leaving dozens dead and triggering a humanitarian crisis.
Conclusion
The evacuation of embassy staff and diplomats from Sudan by the US and France is a clear indication of the seriousness of the situation in the country. The ongoing military conflict is causing a humanitarian crisis and threatening the stability of the region.
It is essential that all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan return to the negotiating table and seek a peaceful resolution. The international community must continue to apply pressure on the rival factions to end the violence and work towards a lasting solution that will bring stability to Sudan and the surrounding region.
