Kenyans stuck in war-torn Sudan are now at risk after the government closed its diplomatic mission on June 4, 2023. A statement from Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei indicated that the move was necessitated by the resurgence of fighting in Sudan which was targeting diplomatic missions.
The embassy had remained open to help facilitate the safe evacuation of Kenyans stuck in Sudan.
“We continue to receive disturbing news of the targeting of diplomatic officials by armed groups in Khartoum, Sudan. “Kenya Mission in Khartoum, which had remained open to facilitate the evacuation of any Kenyans still in the country, is now closed,” the PS announced in a statement.
The war in Sudan started on April 15, 2023 and at that time.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua revealed that there were over 3,000 Kenyans living there.
“I want to assure everyone that we have made arrangements with our national airline in case the situation in Sudan gets out of hand. “We have a plane on standby for evacuation purposes if the fighting persists,” the CS stated then. He also added that the government had made necessary plans to evacuate every Kenyan to safety.
The government kept its diplomatic offices in Sudan open to ensure everyone gets home safely, until June 4,2023 when it decided to shut down the embassy leaving Kenyans stranded in the war-torn country.
