Chinese Foreign Ministry vows to protect Chinese nationals in Sudan

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: The Chinese Foreign Ministry will do everything possible to protect the safety of the over 1,500 Chinese nationals in Sudan, Wu Xi, director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, told China Media Group on Sunday.

Wu said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety and security of Chinese citizens and institutions in Sudan, and President Xi Jinping has given important instructions on strengthening the security protection of Chinese citizens and institutions in the African country.

She noted that the Chinese Foreign Ministry is working with its embassy in Sudan and the Sudanese government to closely follow developments, maintain close contact with Chinese citizens in Sudan, issue consular reminders and communicate intensively with relevant parties.

Noting there is still heavy gunfire and unrest in Sudan’s capital city Khartoum and other areas, Wu reminded Chinese citizens in Sudan, especially in Khartoum, to pay close attention to the security situation and the information issued by the Chinese embassy, stay on high alert and step up security precautions.

She urged them to contact the embassy if they need any help and said the embassy would do its best to offer assistance.

Deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other areas have taken place since April 15. The fighting continues despite both sides agreeing on a three-day ceasefire from Friday.

The clashes had left at least 413 people dead and over 3,500 wounded as of Friday, according to the World Health Organization.