There are still over 100 Irish citizens left in Sudan. 

On Sunday, the Government announced the deployment of members of the Defence Forces to assist in the evacuation of Irish citizens and a total of 88 have been helped out thus far. 

A ceasefire agreed on Monday between Government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has mostly held and western nations have used it as an opportunity to evacuate their citizens. 

Concern’s country director for Sudan AKM Musha has escaped the capital Khartoum and made it to Port Sudan with help from a UN convoy. 

“Port Sudan is relatively safe but the journey to Port Sudan was very difficult,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“But finally after all the challenges, we [are here].” 

Despite the ceasefire, Mr Musha described the capital Khartoum as “really not safe” and that “the suffering of the people is increasing.” 

“People are still trying to escape and taking all these risks,” he said. 

“Even before the fighting, there was a humanitarian crisis; 15 million are in need of humanitarian support… and the humanitarian crisis is looming for the people who are remaining here.” 

A sunset view of river Nile in Khartoum, South Sudan

The work of Concern in Sudan has been suspended and other humanitarian agencies have done likewise. 

“That is affecting people’s lives because it’s not safe to continue operations,” Mr Musha said. 

“So, our [hope] is… all the parties stop the violence and hostilities and allow us the space so that we can resume our work. 

“We are evacuating but it is a temporary measure; our staff are remaining here in a relatively safe place and we are ready to resume our operation any time - that is the most important requirement for the Sudanese people who are suffering a lot.” 

The United Nations expects some 270,000 Sudanese will flee into neighbouring South Sudan and Chad.

Main image: Khartoum Airport, Sudan.