Cape Town – South African citizens and all diplomatic staff that were stuck in war-torn Sudan have been safely evacuated out of Khartoum on Monday.
Earlier reports said that 77 South African citizens were stuck in dire conditions as the war rages between rival forces.
On Monday afternoon, Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) spokesperson, Clayson Monyela confirmed that the evacuation had begun but didn’t give more details of the operation due to security risks.
“Evacuation of SA nationals in #Sudan. Our nationals & embassy staff are on their way out of #Khartoum. I can’t disclose the security & logistics of the operation. But they are moving out. We are in constant contact with them.” he tweeted on Monday afternoon.
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Thus far, 38 South Africans including all diplomatic staff alongside seven Angolans arrived in Egypt on Monday from Khartoum, reported TimesLIVE.
The report said the passengers departed Khartoum at 12:10 pm amid a roller-coaster of fear, anxiety, terror, uncertainty, panic, and sadness for those caught up in the Sudan civil war.
According to the Head of Gift of the Givers, working together with the Dirco, intelligence services, and State Security Agency among others they managed to secure two buses which were paid for by the South African government, the report said.
“There were only two checkpoints outside Khartoum, the rest of the journey was uneventful. They stopped late in the evening for meals and drinks and around midnight parked not far from the Egypt border to rest. At 5am [on Tuesday] they made their way to the border,” the report quoted Sooliman as saying.
He said thus far six South Africans made it to Port Sudan, three to Djibouti, two opted not to leave while one more is still deciding.
“Gift of the Givers has arranged a third bus for the four South Africans left behind. The two dogs will be included.”
The humanitarian organisation said the third bus is expected to depart around 12 noon on Tuesday, the report said.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
