An Overview of the Situation
As the conflict in Sudan continues to ravage the African country, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led an emergency summit with officials to discuss how to assist British nationals trapped in the area. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that the meeting held at the Cabinet Office was attended by Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, among other key players.
Sudanese Army Spearheads Evacuation Mission
Reports suggest that the Sudanese army is spearheading efforts to coordinate evacuation for American, British, Chinese, and French citizens and diplomats from Sudan, using military aircraft as a means of transport. However, the FCDO has not confirmed these reports, and it remains unclear when the evacuation will take place. The Sudanese army is currently engaged in fierce battles with a powerful rival paramilitary, making the evacuation mission more challenging.
UK Government Rallies to Support Trapped Nationals
UK officials have emphasized that they are sparing no effort to support British nationals and diplomatic staff currently holed up in Khartoum. The UK Ministry of Defence is working in tandem with the Foreign Office to prepare for multiple contingencies. Those who remain stranded in Sudan are advised to register with the FCDO and avoid going outside as skirmishes continue, even in residential areas.
No Official US Evacuation Plans in Place Yet
In the meantime, the Pentagon has dispatched additional troops and equipment to a naval base in Djibouti as part of a contingency plan to evacuate US embassy personnel. Nonetheless, the White House has stated that it has no immediate plans to coordinate the evacuation of the estimated 16,000 American citizens currently trapped in Sudan.
Conflict Rages Despite Previous Ceasefire Attempts
Although both sides agreed to a ceasefire during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the sound of explosions and gunfire could still be heard throughout Khartoum on Saturday, casting doubts on the ceasefire’s effectiveness. Previous attempts to reach a truce earlier in the week broke down swiftly.
Britain’s Historical Links to Sudan
Given that Britain jointly ruled Sudan with Egypt from 1899 until it gained independence in 1956, the country has long-standing historical ties to Sudan. However, Sudan is not one of the 56 Commonwealth nations, and the situation on the ground remains fluid and unpredictable.
