The United States announced the withdrawal of all non-essential diplomatic personnel from Sudan amid escalating violence and political instability. The State Department urged US citizens in Sudan to leave the country immediately and advised against travel to the region. The decision came after Sudanese security forces fired on peaceful protesters in Khartoum, killing at least eight people and injuring many others. The protesters were demanding the restoration of civilian rule and the release of political prisoners. The US condemned the violence and called on the Sudanese government to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly and expression.
This move highlights the deteriorating situation in Sudan, which has been experiencing a political crisis since the overthrow of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The military has been in control since then, with a transitional government overseeing the country’s affairs. However, the government has been criticized for failing to address economic and political grievances, leading to widespread protests and violence.
The withdrawal of US personnel is likely to have significant implications for the relationship between the two countries, which have been working to improve ties in recent years. The US has been providing aid to Sudan to support its transition to democracy, and the two countries have been discussing the possibility of removing Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. However, the latest events could complicate those efforts.
Overall, the US decision to withdraw non-essential diplomatic personnel from Sudan highlights the severity of the situation in the country and underscores the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. The US has called for the restoration of civilian rule and the release of political prisoners, and it is hoped that the Sudanese government will heed these calls and work towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.