Second evacuation plane from Sudan arrives in UAE as part of its humanitarian efforts

A second evacuation plane from Sudan, carrying 136 UAE citizens, along with diplomats and nationals from nine other countries, including vulnerable groups of the sick, children, the elderly and women, has arrived in the UAE.

In a separate development, warplanes roared overhead and fighting continued on the ground in Sudan’s capital on Sunday after a former prime minister warned of the “nightmare” risk of a descent into full-scale civil war.

Deadly hostilities between the army and heavily-armed paramilitaries in Khartoum and other parts of the country have entered a third week. The two warring Sudanese forces on Sunday announced the extension of an existing ceasefire for a further 72 hours — the latest of multiple truces that have largely been violated by both sides.

The evacuation operation aligns with the UAE's commitment to humanitarian assistance and to its efforts to promote international solidarity and cooperation.

The UAE will host the evacuees and provide them with all necessary support and assistance prior to  transfer to their home countries.

People feeling conflict in Sudan arrive in Abu Dhabi after an evacuation flight. WAM

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) affirmed the UAE's commitment to providing aid and assistance to countries in times of need, highlighting its work with international partners and the global community to serve the interests of the Sudanese people.

On Sunday, His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, and Lt. General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, reviewed the cooperation ties between the two nations and the latest developments in Sudan.

This came over a phone call Sheikh Mansour held with Al Burhan, wherein the UAE Vice President underscored the Emirates’ keenness to support all peaceful political solutions and initiatives aimed at de-escalation and ending the crisis in Sudan, in a way that contributes to strengthening its stability, security and achieve the aspirations of its people for development and prosperity. Sheikh Mansour emphasised the importance of prioritising the voice of wisdom and peaceful dialogue in order to protect Sudan’s supreme interests and ensure its security and stability.

He also expressed his thanks and appreciation for Sudan facilitating the evacuation of nationals of the UAE and many brotherly and friendly countries of the world.

Al Burhan, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the UAE’s sincere stance toward its brotherly nations in various situations, as well as its great interest in the stability, security, and peace of Sudan, highlighting a shared desire to further cooperation to advance the interests of the two nations.

Witnesses on Sunday evening reported continued armed clashes as well as fighter jets soaring above various parts of the capital and its twin city Omdurman, across the Nile River.

“There has been very heavy fighting and loud gunfire,” a southern Khartoum resident told reporters earlier in the day. Further complicating the battlefield, Central Reserve Police, a paramilitary unit, were being deployed across Khartoum to “protect citizens’ properties” from looting, the Sudanese police said, confirming an army statement.

WAM / Agencies