The EEAS Crisis Response Centre and EU Military Staff have worked hard for the safety of EU diplomats and citizens since the outbreak of the crisis in Sudan, coordinating evacuations with Member States and partners.

At the beginning of the conflict, one of the measures taken was to alert the CSDP Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta, so that it starts contingency planning for a possible evacuation by sea from Port Sudan.

The Spanish Government reached out to offer an evacuation operation with the frigate Reina Sofia, which normally serves in EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta. Based on this offer, the EEAS engaged actively with Member States and partners to facilitate the evacuation operation, providing logistical and human support on consular and security matters. The EU Delegation to Saudi Arabia provided assistance and coordination at disembarkation point.

Cooperation between the EEAS and Spain was excellent, with close contacts locally in Sudan, as well as in Brussels and Madrid. The support received from the UN and other partners was also instrumental.

The joint EU-Spain efforts enabled to evacuate over 162 citizens from EU Member States and partners.

So far, some 2 500 EU and non-EU citizens have been brought to safety by joint European action.

The HRVP welcomed the co-operation with a message.