2023-04-21 21:46:26
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan says it is prepared to partially reopen the airports to allow evacuations. Currently, the group is fiercely battling the military around the country’s airports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague is in contact with 110 Dutch people.
Because of the fierce fighting, it is difficult for foreigners to leave Sudan. The army has not yet commented on a possible reopening of airports. Many countries are trying to evacuate their citizens from Sudan, since fighting broke out there last Saturday between the army and the RSF. That has not yet succeeded, because the situation around the airports is too unsafe, especially in the capital Khartoum.
Preparing for evacuation
Western countries have already sent planes to nearby countries so that they can take immediate action if the situation allows. At most airports in Sudan, it is unclear who is in control of the airports due to the violence. The European Union is preparing for the evacuation of citizens of EU countries from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. But for now it is too unsafe to carry out such an operation, says a senior EU diplomat. It would be about 1500 people.
On Friday, Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs announced that his ministry is in contact with 110 Dutch people in the African country. He also states that it is now too dangerous to evacuate them and that a ceasefire is needed first. According to the minister, all kinds of scenarios are being worked on to evacuate Dutch people if there is a chance to do so. However, he cannot guarantee anything ‘because it is very difficult to organize, but also because it is so dangerous’.
Eid may lead to truce
On Friday evening, both warring sides said they wanted to call a ceasefire over the Islamic Eid. That would allow citizens to move around, stock up on supplies, and for people to seek medical help. Previous agreed ceasefires were always immediately violated. Now there are reports from people in Khartoum that there would indeed be less fighting, but others say that the violence continues in full force.
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