The Kenyan government has started a plan for evacuating its residents, who are now living in Sudan.
This occurs in the midst of the current political upheaval and demonstrations that have gripped Sudan in the wake of the military coup in October 2022.
Around 3000 Kenyans live and work in Sudan, according to reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and there haven’t been any recent reports of Kenyan casualties.
The government is now developing a strategy for the evacuation of Kenyan residents who are residing in Sudan, according to Roseline Njogu, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, who made the announcement during a press conference.
Despite the fact that no casualties have been reported, Ms. Njogu highlighted that the government is ready to intervene should Kenyan citizens in Sudan be in danger or unable to live peacefully in the future.
“Right now, there have been no casualties reported. However, if Kenyan citizens living in Sudan are in danger or are unable to continue their peaceful existence, ideally we will call for evacuation. We are committed to ensuring that all Kenyans are safely rescued and brought home should the situation warrant it,” said Ms Njogu
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has established a multi-agency technical team that is closely observing the situation in real time to safeguard the safety of its nationals in Sudan.
The department also advised Kenyans who reside and work in Sudan to stay inside and to get in touch with the Kenyan embassy in Khartoum via various social media platforms or by calling the emergency number +249900194854.
Also, the government has set up a local emergency contact phone number, +2540114757002, for family members and friends of Kenyans in Sudan to give information on individuals stranded as they carry out a mapping exercise to help their evacuation strategy.
The administration in Sudan has also reassured its residents that it is making every effort to safeguard their safety and has urged them to assist with the authorities during this trying period.
The Kenyan government’s action is consistent with its dedication to ensuring the welfare and safety of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
Sudan’s political situation is still unstable, thus the need for the government to quickly evacuate its residents. The Kenyan government’s attempts to aid its inhabitants in times of need serve as a reminder of its dedication to ensuring their welfare.
This occurs two days after President William Ruto called for a peaceful resolution to the hostilities that broke out in Sudan on Saturday, saying he is speaking with regional and global leaders on discussion and mediation.
On his Twitter account, President Ruto said, “The emergence of violence will only undo the progress Sudan has made to the detriment of its long-term peace and prosperity.”