The Canadian government has announced that it will no longer offer evacuation flights out of Sudan due to the deteriorating security situation in the country. Canadians who wish to leave Sudan may be able to find commercial options through Port Sudan along the Red Sea. As of Friday, over 375 Canadians had been flown out of Sudan on national and allied aircraft, with as many as 300 Canadians in Sudan still seeking assistance. Fighting between rival generals leading Sudan’s military and a powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces has killed more than 400 civilians and wounded over 2,000 others.
The federal government’s latest travel advisory on Sudan urges Canadians to avoid travelling to the Wadi Seidna Air Base, north of the capital, Khartoum, where countries including Canada have organized flights for their citizens and others. Defence Minister Anita Anand has said that flights would continue for as long as possible, while warning that the window of opportunity at the airfield is closing. The Canadian Armed Forces has deployed as many as 200 members to the region, while HMCS Montreal and MV Asterix, a frigate and Naval Replenishment Unit Motor Vessel, have been re-tasked with staying near Port Sudan.
The U.K. government also ended its evacuation flights from Wadi Seidna Air Base, with its last plane leaving Saturday night. The government says more than 1,888 people were brought out of the country on 21 flights. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has travelled to Kenya to learn more about what Canada can do to respond to the situation in Sudan. The Canadian embassy in Khartoum has since relocated to Nairobi, Kenya.
Sudanese nationals in Canada can apply for free to extend their stay or change their status as a visitor, student or temporary worker. The Canada Border Services Agency has issued a temporary halt on removals to Sudan, with some exceptions. The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile, and the Canadian government urges Canadians in Sudan to exercise a high degree of caution and to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.