Despite a ceasefire agreement, fighting has persisted in the Darfur region, with gunmen looting hospitals and destroying medical equipment, demolishing aid compounds, and destroying government offices as fighting continues throughout Sudan.
Sudan has extended its ceasefire for three days despite severe fighting in Khartoum and Darfur.
The ceasefire between Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the military was set to expire at midnight; however, the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a new agreement.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly urged British nationals in Sudan to “immediately proceed to the airport to ensure their safety.”
At least 897 individuals have been rescued by the British evacuation mission, as the White House expressed concern over ceasefire violations and warned the situation “could deteriorate at any moment.”
As of Thursday at 4 p.m., eight British flights had departed Sudan, with the Foreign Office promising “further flights.”
Mr. Cleverly cautioned British nationals stranded in Sudan that it may be “impossible” to evacuate them when the ceasefire expires, and urged them to immediately travel to the airfield north of Khartoum.
Out of 4,000 British passport holders in Sudan, almost 2,000 have filed for evacuation. According to British military chiefs, the Wadi Saeeda airfield can evacuate at least 500 persons per day.
“We cannot precisely predict what will occur when the ceasefire expires. But we do know that it will be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible,” Mr. Cleverly said.
We advise British nationals to travel through Wadi Saeedna during the truce if they’re unsure or weighing their alternatives.
“There are planes and space available; we will evacuate you.” Once the ceasefire has concluded, I am unable to make the same guarantees.”
In addition to working on a sea evacuation route from Port Sudan, the government has dispatched the HMS Lancaster. Other nations have utilized the city to expel their citizens.
The last truce allowed thousands of Sudanese to flee to safer locations.
The fighting has brought the population of Sudan to the brink of collapse, with food becoming scarce, electricity cut off in large portions of the capital and other cities, and many institutions closing.
Multiple aid organizations have been forced to suspend operations, and the UN refugee agency has warned that tens of thousands of people may escape to neighboring countries.
Gunmen pillaged shops and homes in Genena, also known as Al Junaynah, in Darfur, while fighting persisted, albeit at a lower intensity, in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.
Since conflict broke out two weeks ago, Darfur has remained a flashpoint for violence.
In addition to the destruction of a market, government offices and humanitarian compounds. Including United Nations facilities, have been burned down.
In addition, there have been reports of criminal organizations looting hospitals and destroying equipment. Thereby denying the city’s residents access to healthcare.
On Thursday morning, gunmen wearing RSF uniforms reportedly attacked several neighborhoods in Genena, forcing many residents to flee their homes and driving the military back into its barracks.
Elsewhere, there have been clashes in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. Where RSF fighters purportedly destroyed and pillaged food aid warehouses earlier this month.
The fighting has killed 512 civilians and fighters and injured 4,200, according to the health ministry.
