Somalia has launched an evacuation operation to repatriate its nationals stranded in Sudan. The move comes amid growing tensions between the two nations, with Sudanese authorities accusing Somali troops of fighting alongside rebels in the restive Darfur region.
The Somali government said it was coordinating with Sudanese authorities to facilitate the safe return of its citizens. In a statement, the Somali embassy in Khartoum urged all Somali nationals in Sudan to contact the embassy and provide their details to enable them to be evacuated.
The embassy said the operation was necessary to ensure the safety and security of Somalis living in Sudan, who may be at risk due to the deteriorating relations between the two countries. The embassy also said it was working closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide support and assistance to those affected by the crisis.
The move comes just days after Sudan expelled the Somali ambassador and ordered the closure of the Somali embassy in Khartoum. Sudanese authorities accused Somali troops of fighting alongside rebels in the Darfur region, a charge denied by the Somali government.
The situation has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. The UN and the African Union have called for calm and for both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute.
The evacuation of Somali nationals from Sudan is a positive step towards de-escalating tensions between the two countries. It is hoped that both sides will work together to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and prevent further harm to civilians caught in the crossfire.
