By Dolapo Aina
On Tuesday, the 2nd of May 2023, the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the successful evacuation of Rwandan citizens from Sudan. At exactly 2.09am, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that; “The Government of Rwanda successfully evacuated forty-two people including thirty-two Rwandans and ten people of five different nationalities from Khartoum. The group of forty-two people arrived safely in Kigali aboard a chartered RwandAir flight from the city of Aswan in Egypt. Additionally, ten other Rwandan nationals have returned home, while others are safe in other countries on their way to Rwanda with the support of friendly countries and international organisations. Our institutions worked around the clock with our Diplomatic Missions in Khartoum and Cairo to ensure the success of this evacuation.”
The statement continued as thus, “The Government of Rwanda is particularly grateful to the Arab Republic of Egypt and its people for the warm hospitality and support accorded to its citizens under difficult circumstances.” The Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vincent Biruta stated that: “Our hearts are with the people of Sudan at this difficult time. The Government of Rwanda remains ready to support all measures by the African Union and international partners for a political and amicable solution to the current civil war in Sudan.”
The Government of Rwanda in the statement also thanked Sudan and other friendly countries and international organisations that facilitated the evacuation and reiterated her commitment to continue to assist Rwandans stranded in areas of conflict and other difficult situations.
It is noteworthy to state that on Friday, April 21, 2023, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Rwanda stated that her Diplomatic Mission in Sudan was closely monitoring the fighting and security forces activity in Sudan and as at then, urged all her Rwandan nationals to prioritise their safety and remain indoor. And twelve days later, Rwandan government evacuated her citizens safely to Rwanda.
