Canada Pulls Diplomats from Sudan as Violence Escalates

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate with increasing violence, Canada has temporarily withdrawn its diplomats from the country. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the Canadian officials had been safely extracted and were working from outside the country. He added that all possible options were being explored to support their locally-engaged staff. The Standing Rapid Deployment Team (SRDT) will also be deployed in Djibouti, while Canadian officials in neighbouring countries will be mobilized to assist.

Factional violence over the transition to a democratic system in Sudan has led to the loss of almost 420 lives, with the majority being civilians. In response, Trudeau urged all parties to immediately agree to a ceasefire and engage in mediation efforts with regional partners. The Canadian government remains committed to supporting the people of Sudan in their pursuit of a peaceful transition and a democratic future.

Global Affairs Canada released a statement citing the rapidly deteriorating situation in Sudan, which has made it impossible to safeguard the safety and security of its staff in Khartoum. As a result, Canadian diplomats will temporarily work from a secure location outside of Sudan. However, the statement did not disclose the exact location. The diplomats will continue to work with the Sudanese government, neighbouring countries, and the international community to coordinate a response to the crisis and to support any remaining Canadians in the country.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are working closely with other Canadian departments to plan for various contingencies, while military personnel deployed in the region are coordinating with allies. The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile, and the Canadian government has advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the country until further notice.

Canada’s decision to withdraw its diplomats from Sudan underscores the growing instability in the country, and the international community is increasingly concerned. Many countries have called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Canada’s commitment to supporting the people of Sudan in their quest for a peaceful transition to a democratic future is commendable, and it is hoped that all parties will heed the call for an immediate ceasefire and engage in constructive dialogue to end the violence.