Ottawa – As the security situation in Sudan continues to worsen, the Government of Canada is taking action to bring Canadians to safety. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, provided an update on assistance to Canadians in Sudan, including departures in close coordination with partners and allies.
Canada has been chairing discussions on the response to the crisis with a group that includes the G7 countries, as well as with the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and representatives from the United Nations and the World Bank.
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and Canadian military air assets have been deployed to the region. Military planning is ongoing in a complex and dynamic security environment. The CAF is assisting with transportation efforts to the extent that conditions allow.
The CAF remains extremely well-connected in the region and are working closely with our allies and partners. Safe extraction of Canadian citizens requires diligent planning by the CAF and close coordination with like-minded nations that are planning similar missions.
Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously.
Global Affairs Canada has more than 110 surge capacity responders at the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa who are on hand to answer calls and emails from Canadians in Sudan seeking assistance and advice.
As of 1 PM, April 25, 1703 Canadians are registered with Global Affairs Canada as being in Sudan, of which 573 have requested assistance in departing the country. With the help of our partners, the Government of Canada has secured the departure of more than 100 Canadians. To facilitate departure assistance, Canadian officials are in contact with Canadian citizens currently in Sudan who have called on us for help to provide them with essential information about evacuation options.
We continue to urge all Canadians in Sudan to check travel.gc.ca as often as possible for updates and to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service so that we can provide direct updates.
Canadian citizens in Sudan who need emergency consular assistance can contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- by calling +1 613-996-8885
- by text message at +1 613-686-3658
- via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881
- via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad
- by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca
“The safety and security of Canadians is of upmost importance, and I welcome the multinational effort to evacuate foreign citizens from Sudan. As the situation continues to unfold, our thoughts turn to the people of Sudan. Canada continues to stand with them in their pursuit of a peaceful democratic future led by a civilian government.” – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“The situation in Sudan is volatile and evolving rapidly. Our military planners and diplomatic partners are investigating every possible option to support Canadians in Sudan. Canadian Armed Forces personnel will continue to work in close coordination with allies to provide departure assistance to the greatest extent possible.” – Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence