The British government has announced a large-scale evacuation of its citizens from Sudan following a 72-hour ceasefire agreement between the country’s warring factions.
Military flights will be departing from an airfield outside Khartoum and will be open to British passport holders, with priority given to vulnerable groups.
The government has estimated that approximately 4,000 British nationals are in Sudan and has already evacuated diplomatic staff and their families.
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak said on Twitter, “The government has begun a large-scale evacuation of British passport holders from Sudan on RAF flights.”
The British Armed Forces, diplomats, and Border Force staff were commended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for their efforts in the evacuation process.
The Prime Minister added, “I pay tribute to the British Armed Forces, diplomats and Border Force staff.”
Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, stated that the government had started directly contacting nationals and providing routes for departure out of the country.
However, the government has faced criticism from British citizens still stranded in Sudan, with accusations of not doing enough to help others get out.
The British government has stated that it is working with its international partners to arrange departures and will continue to explore other potential options to help British nationals leave Sudan.
