Türkiye begins to repatriate its citizens from Sudan amid ongoing clashes

By Omer Erdem

KHARTOUM (AA) – Türkiye on Sunday started repatriation operations in Sudan for its citizens after the conflict erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country, according to diplomatic sources.

Nearly 1,000 Turkish citizens set out for home from two points in the capital Khartoum and another point from Wad Madani city, the sources said.

The Turkish nationals will travel overland to reach the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, and then take a flight from there to Istanbul.

In addition to Turkish citizens, citizens of many countries such as Azerbaijan, Japan, China, Mexico, and Yemen were evacuated from Sudan.

Clashes between rival Sudanese military factions continued on Sunday despite a 72-hour cease-fire declared for the Muslim holiday of Eid.

There have been reports of explosions and fighting, particularly around the military headquarters and presidential palace in Khartoum.

At least 413 people have died and more than 3,500 injured in Sudan since the fighting erupted on April 15 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul