British military flights are preparing to evacuate UK nationals from Sudan after a 72-hour ceasefire was agreed.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced that an evacuation would begin today (Tuesday April 25) after ministers came under pressure to help at least 2,000 citizens flee fierce fighting. Flights leaving an airfield outside the capital, Khartoum, will open to British passport-holders, with certain groups being prioritised.
The Foreign Office told citizens not to travel there unless they are contacted, as it warned the situation remains “volatile” and that the ability to carry out evacuations could change at short notice. Mr Cleverly said: “The UK Government is co-ordinating an evacuation of British nationals from Sudan.
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“We have started contacting nationals directly and providing routes for departure out of the country.”
Families with children or elderly relatives, or individuals with medical conditions, will be prioritised for the flights. They were told that only British passport holders and immediate family members with existing UK entry clearance are eligible.
The Foreign Office said other exit routes are being considered, with two British military ships having been prepared for a possible evacuation. Nationals have been warned that all travel within Sudan is “conducted at your own risk”.
Rishi Sunak described the evacuation of British passport holders from Sudan as “large scale”. The Prime Minister tweeted: “The Government has begun a large-scale evacuation of British passport holders from Sudan on RAF flights. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable, including families with children and the elderly.
“I pay tribute to the British Armed Forces, diplomats and Border Force staff carrying out this complex operation. The UK will continue to work to end the bloodshed in Sudan and support a democratic government.”
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