Malaysian embassy staff in Sudan rescue 7 from danger

 

Over 300 people have been killed as fighting continues between the Sudanese army and paramilitaries. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian embassy officials in Sudan staged a daring rescue of seven people, including two Malaysians, as fighting between the army and paramilitaries in the east African country rages on.

Foreign minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said the Malaysians, as well as two Canadians, two British nationals and an American, have been moved to a safe location.

He said the operation, which was greenlit by Wisma Putra, was launched following reports of growing conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum.

“Although this operation was highly risky, it had to be carried out to ensure the safety of Malaysian citizens who needed assistance,” Zambry said in a statement today.

“The situation in Sudan is highly complex and constantly changing, with both sides still engaging in battles.”

So far, calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the US have been rejected. More than 300 people have been killed in the clashes.

However, Reuters reported that the RSF had agreed to a 72-hour truce on humanitarian grounds from this morning, to coincide with Eid (Aidilfitri).

Previously, Zambry had said the government would make every effort to ensure the safety of all 32 Malaysians in Sudan and bring them home.

Foreigners in Sudan are unable to leave the country yet as Khartoum International Airport remains closed.

In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had asked German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for help with efforts to evacuate the Malaysians in Sudan. - FMT