Canada has temporarily suspended its diplomatic operations in Sudan due to the ongoing fierce fighting between Sudanese generals. In a statement, Global Affairs Canada said that the situation in Sudan has rapidly deteriorated, making it impossible to safeguard the safety and security of their staff in Khartoum.
Canadian diplomats will be working temporarily from a safe location outside of the country, but the statement did not identify the exact location. Canadian officials are still in close contact with local hires and are looking at all possible options to support them.
Limited consular services are being provided, and officials in Ottawa are in regular contact with Canadians affected, providing them information and advice. This announcement comes as several other countries, including the United States, Britain, and France, have already evacuated their diplomatic personnel and their families from Sudan’s war-torn capital.
Saudi officials have announced that they have evacuated over 150 people, including foreign diplomats, from Port Sudan, with Canadian citizens being among them. Riyadh has reported the “safe arrival” of 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 other countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Burkina Faso.
Ferocious battles between the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group have killed over 400 people and left thousands wounded. As of now, Canadian officials are still in contact with local hires and providing assistance to Canadians affected by the situation.
