The British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said that a total of 2,450 people were safely extracted from war torn Sudan.
Cleverly said that this was the “longest and largest” evacuation of any Western nation which saw 30 flights help fleeing British nationals to safety and the last plane left on Wednesday evening.
Cleverly said, “The UK has co-ordinated the longest and largest evacuation of any Western country and brought 2,450 people to safety from Sudan.
“We remain focused on supporting those who are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and continue to press for a long-term ceasefire.”
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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace added: “I am truly grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of our Armed Forces who have evacuated more than 2,000 people from Sudan from over 20 countries and continue to provide medical and humanitarian support from Port Sudan, supported by the Royal Air Force.
“Their efforts are a source of national pride.”
The UK government are to provide an initial £5 million of aid in South Sudan and Chad to help many more who are trying to flee war torn Sudan.
International development minister Andrew Mitchell said, “The package we have announced today will provide food, shelter, medical care and clean water for tens of thousands of people who have fled the violence in Sudan.
“While this aid will help alleviate some of the immediate suffering in the region, the ongoing violence is creating huge additional needs.
“The UK continues to pursue all diplomatic avenues to end the violence, de-escalate tensions and secure safe humanitarian access, including engaging with the African Union and partners to help co-ordinate these efforts.
“There can be no aid without safe access and a ceasefire which is permanent.”
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