Oliver Dowden states that more than 1,500 individuals have been evacuated from Sudan on British evacuation flights, refuting claims that he abandoned British nationals.
The deputy prime minister says British nationals in Sudan have until lunchtime to take a flight or be detained.
Oliver Dowden confirmed that the flights will end at 7 pm local time on Saturday, instructing those still in Sudan to arrive at the Wadi Saeedna rescue site by noon local time (11 am UK time) to be processed for the final voyage.
Friday afternoon, he told reporters that more than 1,500 individuals had been flown out of the country.
However, he stated that there had been a “significant decline in the number of British nationals coming forward.” So the government would discontinue the flights.
After the two factions extended a 72-hour ceasefire on Thursday night, countries are rushing to evacuate their citizens from Sudan.
The initial three-day armistice was set to expire on Thursday at 11 pm UK time. There continue to be reports of heavy combat in Khartoum and Darfur’s western region, despite this agreement.
Thousands have departed the country in recent days due to food shortages. Widespread power outages in the capital and other cities, and the closure of numerous hospitals.
The country’s health ministry reports 512 civilian and fighter deaths and 4,200 injuries.
When asked if ending the flights would mean abandoning British nationals who were unable to make it in time, Mr. Dowden responded, “Every single British national who has come forward and their eligible dependents have been put on a plane safely.”
“We are observing a significant decline in these populations. And, just like other nations, we have set an end date for this as the population decreases.
Even beyond that, we will continue to provide consular support in Sudan, particularly at the exit route. Therefore, to the north, the south, and Port Sudan itself.”
“We have made it abundantly clear that this is a time-limited endeavour,” Mr. Dowden advised those left behind.
“More than twenty-four hours ago, we sent a very unambiguous signal that, as the ceasefire expires. We would gradually reduce the number of flights.
“We are giving these people another 24 hours to make their way to the airport if they are eligible, and we will get them on a plane, just as we have done for every other eligible person who has come forward, making this the longest and largest evacuation effort of any Western country.”
Mr. Dowden added that the government was aware that NHS physicians were denied evacuation flights.
He stated, “We are actively communicating with the Sudanese Doctors Association to determine what additional support we can offer them.”
He added that after the flight deadline of 6 p.m., the Foreign Office will continue to provide “consular support at the other exit routes, especially Port Sudan.”
