The Sudanese army has announced plans to facilitate the evacuation of foreigners who have been trapped in the country due to the recent internal conflict. The head of the armed forces, Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan, received calls from several leaders asking for assistance with the repatriation of their nationals, which he has agreed to. The Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group involved in the conflict, has also given assurances that it will support the evacuation process.
While a group of Saudi nationals has already left the country through Port Sudan, and a Jordanian group is set to follow, diplomats have played down suggestions that departures are imminent. The US, Britain, France, and China are expected to evacuate their diplomats and patrons by air with military transport aircraft. However, the US embassy in Sudan has advised US citizens to remain indoors and shelter in place until further notice due to ongoing fighting, gunfire, and security forces activity in Khartoum, the capital.
The safe passage of foreign nationals is still being negotiated, according to two anonymous diplomats, who suggested the army may be using the process to improve its image. Some United Nations staff and citizens from several nations were reportedly seen aboard convoys moving towards the international airport in Khartoum. The Philippines is facing difficulties in evacuating hundreds of its nationals who are trapped in Sudan as none of the airports are functioning and they are still under fire.
The violence in Sudan has resulted in at least 413 deaths and almost 3,551 injuries, with many people running short of essential supplies like food and water. While the ceasefire agreed on Friday has reduced the violence, sporadic sounds of gunfire and explosions can still be heard in Khartoum. The streets of the city were largely deserted on Saturday, with many citizens skeptical that the truce would hold. Both the army and the RSF have accused each other of using the truce to rearm and bring reinforcements to Khartoum.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing due to a long-standing struggle between the army and the RSF. The conflict has also stalled plans for a power-sharing government that was supposed to lead the country of about 45 million people to democratic elections after a 2021 coup. The situation remains extremely concerning, with many citizens trying to relocate to neighboring states for safety.