Kenya evacuates over 900 people from Sudan amid ongoing conflict

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya has evacuated 409 of its citizens and more than 500 foreign nationals from Sudan amid the North African country’s ongoing conflict, Kenya’s Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua said Tuesday.

The evacuations come after three weeks of fighting in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Addressing a press conference, Mutua said the government has pledged to evacuate all Kenyans who wish to leave the war-torn country.

“We have evacuated 409 Kenyans from Khartoum. There are Kenyans who are outside Khartoum who have decided they want to stay, so we are evacuating anybody who wants to leave Sudan,” he said.

“We have also helped evacuate over 500 people from other nationalities and offered them safe passage. The evacuation is ongoing,” he added.

Mutua said the Kenyan government is closely monitoring the situation in Sudan and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

He said Kenya has also availed its airspace, including its airports, for humanitarian support as well technical support for special operations in Sudan.

The Kenyan government's decision to evacuate its citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan comes amid growing concerns over the safety of those still in the conflict zone.

The government has urged all Kenyans in Sudan to register with the Kenyan embassy in Khartoum and to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Canada and Kenya on Tuesday also agreed to support peace and humanitarian efforts in Sudan. This was announced after a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly in the capital Nairobi.

The recent fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF has left hundreds dead, thousands injured and displaced thousands of people.