Early this morning, Sweden’s government announced that it has evacuated 25 Swedish citizens, including several children, from Sudan, where an armed conflict is currently taking place. – The focus right now is on getting deployed personnel, says Pål Jonson (M), Sweden’s Minister of Defence. The 25 evacuees are currently in Djibouti, where they are currently being cared for. – It is mainly diplomats and Sida personnel. When they are back on Swedish soil again, Jonsson cannot enter. – I don’t want to go into such tactical questions. If I discuss it, it could affect the safety of the soldiers who carry out this very difficult and demanding operation. Being extra vulnerable Approximately 150 Swedes are estimated to remain in the country, and there is a plan to get them out. – It is a difficult humanitarian situation and a vulnerable situation for the people who are in the capital Khartoum, but also in other parts of Sudan. A very serious security situation. When many international personnel leave the country, those who remain are especially vulnerable. – International coordination is extremely important. The armed forces present in Sudan have a mandate for their action. They have resources and powers and have a plan for how to act. They will of course also be able to carry out efforts with other countries with which we have established relations. Jonson continues: – It is a very difficult and demanding task that lies ahead of the Armed Forces, but I have full confidence in their ability and I know that they are making great efforts to be able to contribute to this evacuation. It was on Saturday, April 15 that great violence broke out in the sedan. Since then, hundreds of people have died and thousands of people have been injured. The fighting is between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary forces RSF.
t4-general