Why are there so many British nationals in Sudan? How many UK citizens are trapped and evacuation explained
The first evacuation flights carrying British nationals have taken off from Sudan as UK troops race to lift people to safety during a fragile ceasefire.
Roughly 4,000 British citizens remain in the conflict-ridden country and around 2,000 have already contacted the Foreign Office for help, according to the Government.
Tourism to Sudan is limited, but a significant number of Brits work there for international organisations or UK companies, while others have familial ties to the country.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why are there so many UK nationals in Sudan?
It is thought that as many as 4,000 British passport holders are still in Sudan, of whom 2,000 have registered their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before potential evacuation.
Sudan was effectively a British colony from 1899 until gaining independence in 1956. This long-standing relationship means many British passport holders have familial ties to Sudan.
In 2020, the Office for National Statistics estimated there were 35,000 people in the UK who were born in Sudan, and about 20,000 Sudanese nationals.
Sudan’s recent history has been marked by political instability, beginning with the overthrow of its long-standing autocratic leader in 2019 by a combination of the army and its paramilitary partner-turned-rival – the Rapid Support Forces.
High inflation rates and food insecurity has led to a humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 15.8 million people thought to be in need of assistance.
International aid organisations – such as UNHCR, Unicef and CAFOD – have operated in the country for decades. Their staff come from all over the world, including many Brits.
British nationals may also be present in Sudan for businesses reasons, either temporarily or as part of established operations.
According to statistics released earlier this month, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Sudan amounted to £230m in 2022.
The evacuation explained
The first evacuation flights carrying British nationals took off from Sudan this morning, as UK troops moved in to take over the running of an airfield.
The Ministry of Defence said three flights from Khartoum have landed in Cyprus since the evacuation began, with more to take place throughout Wednesday.
Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said 200 to 300 people had been lifted from the Wadi Saeedna airstrip.
A chartered jet taking a first group back to London Stansted left Larnaca in Cyprus on Wednesday morning.
A 72-hour ceasefire brokered by the warring rival generals has largely held since it began in the early hours of Monday.
It is understood that if fighting resumes, the evacuation operation will not necessarily end, but it will present a greater risk to the safety of evacuees, troops and officials.
HMS Lancaster, a Bahrain-based warship, is progressing towards Port Sudan, the Red Sea dock some 500 miles from Khartoum that could possibly be used in a seaborne operation.
British forces are expected to take over command of the operation in Wadi Saeedna from German troops on Wednesday, but the security of the site is being maintained by the Sudanese armed forces.
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said 120 British troops have already been supporting the operation at the airfield north of Khartoum.
The military is ready to use force if needed if the site comes under attack, although the troops are primarily there to help with logistics and providing air traffic control.
Families with children or elderly relatives, or individuals with medical conditions, are being prioritised for the flights.
Only British passport holders and immediate family members with existing UK entry clearance are being told they are eligible.
Nationals have been warned all travel within Sudan is “conducted at your own risk”.
