The UK has been accused of delaying Germany’s evacuation efforts in Sudan by causing a temporary blockade at a vital airport.
Speaking to the BBC, German political sources alleged that British forces landed in Sudan without the Army’s permission, causing delays to other European nations’ attempts to evacuate citizens.
The British Ministry of Defence has described the claim as “complete nonsense”.
According to reports, German officials allege that unannounced attempts by Britain to evacuate embassy staff at the weekend angered the Sudanese army, causing them to refuse other nations access to the airfield north of Khartoum.
The sources told the broadcaster that Britain had to pay the Sudanese army before leaving, and that it meant German rescuers “lost at least half a day” in their own evacuation efforts.
This has been denied by the MoD, which said it had permission to land.
“It is not accurate to suggest that Britain’s efforts to evacuate embassy staff from Sudan last weekend slowed-down Germany’s plans,” it said in a statement.
“Operating in such complex circumstances will always come with challenges, but we have worked extremely closely with our French, US and particularly German partners who have facilitated access to the airfield throughout this week, and of course we remain grateful to the Sudanese Armed Forces.”
Germany has since ended its evacuation efforts from Sudan, having airlifted more than 700 people to safety.
Speaking on Sky News on Thursday morning, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “I’ve had exchanges with my German Foreign Minister colleague Annalena Baerbock.
“I know Ben Wallace and the military have had exchanges ... I don’t recognise that reporting, that is not what has been communicated to us.”
Mr Cleverly said there was no guarantee of further evacuation flights once an agreed halt in fighting expires on Thursday night.
It comes as the Government faces domestic and international criticism over its response.
The British evacuation mission from the African country has seen 536 people taken to safety on six flights so far, according to the latest official figures.
Mr Cleverly, who insisted simple comparisons to the evacuation efforts of other countries is not possible, said anyone considering leaving the country may only have a limited window to do so.
“We cannot predict exactly what will happen when that ceasefire ends but what we do know is it will be much, much harder, potentially impossible," he said.
