The Philippine Embassy in Cairo has advised the Filipino community in Sudan to be vigilant, stay indoors, and avoid going to public places.
Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum on April 16, 2023, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day in battles between rival generals. (AFP)
The advisory was issued amid the bloody power struggle in Sudan, where fighting erupted between army units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Burhan heads Sudan’s transitional governing Sovereign Council while the RSF is being led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is deputy head of the council.
Clashes between Sudan’s armed forces and rival main paramilitary group resulted to the deaths of at least 59 civilians, including three United Nations (UN) workers.
Citing the ongoing conflict, the Embassy said the Filipinos in Sudan should “not go out and stay in the safety of your homes.”
Records from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) showed there are 258 Filipinos who are staying in Sudan as of March this year.
The Embassy said it will assist the overseas Filipinos in Sudan who may be affected during the emergency situations.
“Contact and coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Cairo and the Philippine Consulate in Khartoum for your current circumstances,” the advisory, posted on Facebook, read.
Overseas Filipinos in Sudan may contact the Philippine Embassy in Cairo through WhatsApp and mobile no. (+20) 122 743 6472, Facebook messenger PHinEgypt and via email [email protected], and Philippine Consulate in Khartoum at telephone no. (+249) 91 239 9448 and [email protected].
They were also asked to email clear copies of their passports and residence visas to [email protected] and provide their personal information.