Mercy dash: 200 Aussies evacuated from ‘dangerous security situation’ in Sudan
More than 190 Australians and their families have fled Sudan after an Australian air force plane helped evacuate citizens.
Smoke is seen in Khartoum, Sudan, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. More than 200 Australians have been airlifted out of the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File)
The RAAF joined the international evacuation effort overnight with a flight carrying 36 Australians and their family, as well as citizens from six other nations, safely to Cyprus.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the security situation was dangerous and volatile and authorities were in contact with registered Australians about further departures.
“We’re pleased that’s happened safely in what is quite a difficult security situation,” she told ABC Radio on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, we still have Australians on the ground.”
Australia does not have an embassy in Sudan, with its closest in Egypt.
Extra consular officials have been sent to missions in Djibouti, Jeddah, Cyprus, and Cairo.
Senator Wong said the government’s focus was on evacuation but it would look at aid through the humanitarian assistance budget.
The Sudanese army chief and paramilitary leader have agreed to a seven-day truce as President Salva Kiir stressed the importance of peace talks.
The war between the two groups has sparked an exodus of 100,000 people, with the conflict in its third week.
The bloody fight has left hundreds dead and thousands wounded.
with Reuters
