Escape plan

Betty Henderson

THE Spanish government said it was on high alert on Friday, April 21 as it prepared to evacuate around 60 Spanish nationals from war­torn Sudan.

The conflict situation in the country is rapidly deteriorating, and fighting shows no signs of abating. The Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, said military planes are on standby and ready to go when the situation stabilises enough to enter. Until then, the embassy is working tirelessly to gather all Spanish nationals and prepare for the evacuation. In the meantime, the Spanish government is urging Sudanese forces to reach a ceasefire that will allow foreigners to leave the country and Sudanese nationals to receive vital humanitarian aid. Spain will also cooperate with other nations to rescue their citizens. Sudan is a country located in the northeast of Africa which has been embroiled in conflict and political instability for many years.

The latest outbreak of vio­ lence erupted after a military coup in 2019, which led to clashes between government forces and opposition groups. The situation has deteriorated in the past week, with fighting intensifying in many parts of the country including in the capital, Khartoum, causing mass displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis.