According to Clementine Mukeka, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the journey to evacuate Rwandans and foreigners from Sudan began on Tuesday, and the government first took them to Aswan city in Egypt from Khartoum before flying them to Kigali.

The exercise was conducted through partnership between the Rwandan government, the embassy in Cairo, and the embassy in Khartoum.

“We commend Egypt for having welcomed our citizens during these trying times, as well as the Sudanese and the Government of Sudan for their assistance in evacuating these people,” said Mukeka.

The citizens flown to Kigali include five Syrians, one Burundian, one Kenyan, two Ugandans, one Nigerian, and 32 Rwandans.

Mukeka also stated that two Rwandans preferred to stay in Khartoum for personal reasons, but they will receive support where necessary.

Mukeka disclosed that Rwanda is prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at achieving durable peace in Sudan through mechanisms that will be established by the African Union (AU).

Among the evacuees was Kenyan citizen Ogendo Daniel Oganga, who married a Rwandan.

Ogango commended the Government of Rwanda for the support extended to him and his family to leave Sudan.

Rwandan citizen Francis Kihumuro also expressed his relief for being evacuated from an area prone to heavy gunfire.

Since 15th April, Sudan has been mired in military clashes between following days of tension between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The country has been suffering a political crisis since the Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan declared a state of emergency in October 2021 and dissolved the sovereign council as well as the government.

The Director General of Immigration and Emigration, Lynder Nkuranga interacting with evacuees.

Mukeka has told the media that the evacuation of Rwandans and foreigners from Sudan began on Tuesday.