On Monday, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s “great efforts in evacuating members of the Libyan community from Sudan, and facilitating their repatriation through its territory.”
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the Libyan nationals will be returned home soon.
Earlier today, the Libyan authorities evacuated 105 Libyan nationals from Sudan as fierce fighting continues in the neighbouring country.
The group included Libyan diplomatic staff and their families, Libyan students, and employees of Libyan institutions operating in Sudan, the ministry said.
Clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue in the capital Khartoum and adjoining cities for the ninth day due to disagreement over the RSF’s integration into the army.
According to Sudan’s health ministry, the deadly clashes have left at least 420 people killed and more than 3,700 injured, as of 23 April.
Days ago, the Libyan Embassy in Sudan announced that it has evacuated 83 stranded Libyans in Khartoum, transferring them to safer places. The evacuated Libyans were moved to the city of Port Sudan, as a first step before arranging their repatriation to Libya.
Notably, a high-ranking Libyan military official warned of the repercussions of the armed clashes in Sudan, on the situation in Libya.
He called for the closure of the common borders with Sudan until the situation calms down.
On Saturday, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Libyan citizens in Sudan to stay indoors and exercise caution.
The Libyan Embassy in Khartoum also issued an advisory to Libyan nationals, urging them to remain indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel until further notice. The Embassy has set up helpline numbers to provide assistance and support to the Libyan community, in case of emergencies.
“The safety and security of Libyan nationals abroad are of utmost importance, and the Libyan government is actively monitoring the situation in Sudan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant contact with the Libyan Embassy in Sudan, and is taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Libyan citizens in the country,” read the statement.
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and tank shelling last week, after failed negotiations between the army, paramilitary, and civilian groups over a long-awaited power-sharing deal following a coup in October 2021. The army and paramilitary sides confirmed that fighting was underway.
The violence is the latest setback in a long-delayed transition to a civilian government following the ousting of Dictator Omar Al-Bashir in 2019, after months of street protests.
