The government has once again reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the safety of its people stationed in Sudan in the wake of the ongoing war between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in that nation.
According to Stanley Kakubo, Zambia’s minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, the embassy there keeps in touch with its nationals constantly.
He has commended the Zambian citizens for their bravery, incredible courage, and fortitude in the face of hardship and upheaval.
“There are now 32 known Zambian nationals residing in Sudan, comprising eight Peacekeepers from the Zambia Army and Zambia Police Service, six university students, two juveniles, and sixteen others employed by various international organisations, including the United Nations,” he said.
He said that Zambians were spread out throughout numerous Sudanese cities, including Khartoum, Gadaref, Kosti, and Darfur.
“When the violent clashes broke out, most of the Zambians were in the affected areas, with only four nationals out of the country for other reasons. Thankfully, the eight security personnel are in a secure location, while six students and a family of four have arrived safely in Ethiopia and are now with Zambian Embassy staff. One national is at the border and will cross into Ethiopia once screening is completed,” he said.
Mr Kakubo noted that the remaining nationals are in transit to various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
“Their respective employers have facilitated the evacuation plan to safer locations. Meanwhile, one Zambian national remains in Khartoum and the Embassy of Zambia in Addis Ababa, which oversees Sudan, is in constant communication regarding travel arrangements,” he said.
The Zambian Embassy, according to Mr. Kakubo, maintains continual communication with all of its nationals and carefully observes their travels to assure their safety as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the welfare of its residents.
“In line with this commitment, the eleven Zambians who recently crossed into Ethiopia via Gondar are set to travel to Addis Ababa on 28th April 2023, before connecting to Lusaka. The evacuees have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its unwavering support and remain optimistic about their future,” he said.
