Canadian officials have confirmed that over 375 Canadians have been flown out of Sudan amid the ongoing conflict in the northeast African nation. Fighting between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces has resulted in over 400 civilian deaths so far. Additional evacuation flights are planned for Canadian citizens, with one flight already scheduled for Saturday. Two flights on Friday carried 221 people, including 68 Canadians and six permanent residents, while two flights on Thursday carried 117 people, including 42 Canadians, to Djibouti.
Defence Minister Anita Anand stated that the window for opportunity at the airfield is closing, as fighting moves closer to the Wadi Seidna Air Base in Khartoum. Anand also confirmed that the Canadian Armed Forces has deployed 200 members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations to the region. HMCS Montreal and MV Asterix have been tasked with staying in the area of the Port of Sudan should they be needed.
As of Friday, over 300 Canadians were seeking assistance, and any citizens still in the country are urged to register with Global Affairs Canada. The federal government will waive passport and travel document fees for Canadians and permanent residents in Sudan, and it is prioritizing completed temporary and permanent residence applications from people in Sudan.
Meanwhile, Sudanese nationals in Canada can apply for free to extend their stay or change their status as a visitor, student, or temporary worker. The federal government will also waive the requirement to hold a passport or travel document to be approved for a permanent resident visa, given that some people may not have access to their Sudanese travel documents.
As the conflict in Sudan remains precarious and dangerous, Canadian officials are examining all options to help Canadians with their current needs to the best of their abilities.
