· The final UK flight
departed from Port Sudan airport last night after an eight day,
multi-route evacuation
· 2450 people evacuated via
Wadi Saeedna airfield and Port Sudan since flights started on
Tuesday 25 April
· The UK will deliver £5
million of lifesaving aid for people fleeing the violence in
Sudan
The final UK evacuation flight from Port Sudan departed last
night (03 May), concluding the longest and largest evacuation of
any Western nation.
The successful operation has evacuated more than 2450 people on
30 flights, the vast majority of them being British nationals and
their dependents.
It comes as the UK announces it will provide an initial £5
million of life saving aid to help meet the urgent needs of those
fleeing the violence. As a longstanding and committed donor to
Sudan, the UK has contributed more than £250 million in
humanitarian aid in the past five years.
Humanitarian organisations face enormous obstacles in delivering
support in Sudan, with the eruption of violence leading to aid
workers being attacked and killed and humanitarian supplies being
looted. Many relief agencies have ceased operations in the
country in the wake of the volatile conditions.
The UK is working in close coordination with international
organisations and partners to push for safe access for
humanitarian workers. This will allow aid to flow to those worst
affected by the violence.
The aid will ensure practical items such as food, shelter,
medical care and clean water for tens of thousands of people
reaches the most vulnerable.
Foreign Secretary
said:
“The UK has coordinated the longest and largest evacuation of
any Western country and brought 2450 people to safety from
Sudan.
“We remain focused on supporting those who are in desperate
need of humanitarian assistance and continue to press for a
long-term ceasefire.
Defence Secretary said:
“I am truly grateful for the dedication and professionalism
of the men and women of our Armed Forces who have evacuated more
than 2,000 people from Sudan from over 20 counties and continue
to provide medical and humanitarian support from Port Sudan,
supported by the Royal Air Force.
“Their efforts are a source of national pride.”
International Development Minister
said:
“The package we have announced today will provide food,
shelter, medical care and clean water for tens of thousands of
people who have fled the violence in Sudan.
“While this aid will help alleviate some of the immediate
suffering in the region, the ongoing violence is creating huge
additional needs.
“The UK continues to pursue all diplomatic avenues to end the
violence, de-escalate tensions and secure safe humanitarian
access, including engaging with the African Union and partners to
help coordinate these efforts. There can be no aid without safe
access and a ceasefire which is permanent.”
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Africa Minister have
engaged, directly or through intermediaries, with the two
military leaders to urge a ceasefire, and have
coordinated with key international partners on the global
response to the crisis.
As part of the evacuation efforts, the UK has helped evacuate
more than 1200 people from other nations, including the US,
Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, Germany and Australia.
ENDS
Notes to editors
· The humanitarian support
will be provided in South Sudan and Chad.
