Colombo: Sri Lanka has sought India’s assistance in evacuating its citizens from Sudan amid escalating violence in the African nation. The Sri Lankan government has requested New Delhi to help evacuate its citizens from Sudan, where they have been stranded due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage said that the Sri Lankan embassy in Sudan has been in touch with Indian authorities to facilitate the evacuation of Sri Lankan citizens. “We have requested the Indian government to help us evacuate our citizens from Sudan,” he said.
The Sri Lankan embassy in Sudan has been working closely with Indian authorities to coordinate the evacuation efforts. The embassy has urged Sri Lankan citizens in Sudan to contact the embassy as soon as possible to provide their details and seek assistance.
Sudan has been in the grip of a political crisis since 2019, when long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir was ousted by a popular uprising. The country has since been ruled by a transitional government, which has been struggling to maintain stability amid rising violence and tensions.
The situation in Sudan escalated in late October, when a military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and dissolved the government. The coup has been condemned by the international community, with several countries calling for an immediate return to civilian rule.
The Sri Lankan embassy in Sudan has been working with Indian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Sri Lankan citizens in the country. The embassy has urged Sri Lankan citizens to remain calm and stay indoors until they can be evacuated.
The Indian government has not yet commented on the Sri Lankan request for assistance. However, India has previously helped evacuate foreign citizens from conflict zones, including from Yemen and Libya.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s request for India’s assistance in evacuating its citizens from Sudan is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. It is hoped that India will respond positively to Sri Lanka’s request and facilitate the safe and speedy evacuation of Sri Lankan citizens from Sudan. The situation in Sudan remains volatile, and it is crucial that the international community works together to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict.
