Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Anand on the situation in Sudan

April 21 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement about support for Canadians in Sudan:

“The situation in Sudan is volatile and deteriorating rapidly. Canada continues to call for an end to violence and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace.

“We are actively monitoring the situation in Sudan and working with neighbouring countries, as well as with like-minded governments and the international community to coordinate the response to this crisis.

“In response to recent developments, Canada has deployed members of Global Affairs Canada's Standing Rapid Deployment Team (SRDT) to Djibouti to enhance our ability to support and to further assess the needs on the ground.

“The SRDT is composed of highly trained employees who are on standby ready to deploy on short notice to assist the Government of Canada when responding to emergencies. Team members provide emergency response, coordination, consular assistance and logistical support.

“The Embassy of Canada to Sudan in Khartoum has temporarily suspended in-person operations. Consular services remain available to Canadians in Sudan; however due to the ongoing security situation, these could be limited. Officials in Ottawa are also in regular contact with Canadians affected, providing them information and advice as the situation develops. Further, officials at our missions in nearby countries also stand ready to support as needed.

“Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should 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 Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces are conducting planning for various contingencies alongside Government of Canada partners. Canadian military personnel that have been deployed in the region are in close contact and planning with our allies.

“We will continue to update Canadians regularly as events unfold. We urge all Canadians in Sudan to check travel.gc.ca regularly for updates and to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so that we can provide direct updates and share crucial information about available assistance."

Associated links

• Travel advice and advisories - Sudan