Rwandans living in Sudan have been evacuated except for two who stayed on their own will, Alain Mukuralinda, Deputy Government Spokesperson has told The New Times. ALSO READ: Rwanda monitoring security of citizens in Sudan According to Mukuralinda, the government organized an evacuation process for 36 nationals who were transported by bus to Cairo, Egypt, a 30-hour journey that started on the night of April 24. This is an additional number to those evacuated earlier by the United Nation, the French government, and those who were able to move by their own means, he explained. “Only two Rwandans have stayed in Sudan on their own will. They live and work there, their information is well known by our embassy and we will continue monitoring their security,” Mukuralinda said. However, the total number of Rwandans evacuated is not yet known, with estimates ranging from 50 to 70 people. Mukuralinda said the information will be known once reports are put together. The Rwandan Mission released a statement on April 20 stating that it is closely monitoring the ongoing fighting in Sudan and urged all Rwandans there to prioritize their safety by remaining indoors. Since April 15, fierce street battles have erupted in Khartoum after disagreements emerged between Sudan's Army Chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commander, Gen Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. They both held top positions in Sudan's current government, formed after the 2019 coup that ousted long-time leader Omar al-Bashir. The civilian-dominated transitional government was also ousted by government forces in collaboration with RSF in 2021. Relations between Rwanda and Sudan remain intact Mukuralinda said that, so far, relations between Rwanda and Sudan remain intact and it is from that basis that the government was able to evacuate the Rwandans unharmed. “The only problem is that ongoing conflict and Rwanda cannot interfere in that.” Currently, Sudan is under a 72-hour cease fire deal between the two warring Generals brokered on April 25, as nations rush to extract their citizens. So far, reports indicate that at least 459 people have died in the conflict though the actual number is thought to be much higher. It is estimated that about 270,000 people have fled Sudan into neighbouring South Sudan and Chad.
