UK government begins large-scale evacuation of British people

The UK government has announced a “large-scale” complex evacuation of British citizens from Sudan, prioritising families with children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions. 

The RAF will conduct flights from an airfield near Khartoum, the country’s capital. The evacuation plan follows a 72-hour ceasefire agreement between rival military factions that began on Monday night. 

At least 400 people have died in the fighting that has taken place since April 15, and approximately 4,000 UK citizens are thought to be in Sudan, with 2,000 of them having already requested assistance. However, only British passport holders and their immediate family with existing UK entry clearance will be eligible for evacuation. 

Many British nationals have been stranded in the country with dwindling supplies, no electricity or wifi, and no way to leave. 

The UK government has warned that the ability to carry out evacuations could change at short notice despite the ceasefire appearing to hold so far.