Sudan violence. Image credit Twitter page of Nick Sortor
Ottawa/CMEDIA: According to a statement released by Global Affairs Canada on Sunday, Canadian diplomats in Sudan will be evacuated amid increased violence between the Sudan Armed Forced (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“The situation in Sudan has rapidly deteriorated making it impossible to safeguard the safety and security of our staff in Khartoum,” the statement reads. “After consulting with Canada’s ambassador to Sudan, the decision has been made to temporarily suspend our operations in Sudan.”
The statement also said that Canadian diplomats will work from a safe location outside of Sudan to maintain communication with the international community, Sudanese government, and neighbouring countries and work on a coordinated response to help Canadians still inside Sudan’s borders.
Two weeks ago, violence flared up in Sudan over a planned transition to democratic rule, intensifying deep-rooted conflict between the RSF and SAF resulted in the killings of more than 400 people since April 15.
According to Global Affairs Canada, there are 1,596 Canadians believed to be in Sudan adding that it recognizes the need to offer service and security for Canadians affected by the violence.
As international diplomats continue to assess the changing situation in Sudan, says
“The Canadian embassy will resume operations in Khartoum as soon as the situation in Sudan allows us to guarantee proper service and the safety and security for our staff,” said Global Affairs Canada in its statement
Canadians in need of emergency consular help are being advised by Global Affairs Canada to communicate with their Emergency Watch Response Centre by calling 1 613-996-8885, by text message at 1 613-686-3658, Via WhatsApp at 1 613-909-8881, Via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad, and by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca.
#CanadianDiplomats; #Evacuation; #Sudan; #Violence
