At least some of the British nationals attempting to flee the conflict that has broken out in Sudan had a moment of profound relief on Wednesday morning: the second of three evacuation flights from an airfield north of Khartoum arrived in Cyprus, with a third expected to follow. Citizens of Turkey, France, and other countries were also flown out. But for Sudanese people – even those whose close relatives were onboard the UK flights – the exodus may simply have served as a reminder of the dangers from which they have far more limited respite.
A ceasefire between army units loyal to Sudan’s military ruler, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by his former ally Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, came into effect at midnight on Tuesday, and it is supposed to last until Thursday night. In theory, this should provide an opportunity for civilians to flee the theatres of conflict and reach safe harbour.
