President Joe Biden announced late Saturday that the US military has evacuated American embassy personnel from Khartoum, calling for an end to the “unconscionable” fighting in Sudan’s capital between the army and a paramilitary group.

Biden’s Statment

“Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an extraction operation to extract US Government personnel from Khartoum,” Biden said in a statement, adding that the embassy was “temporarily suspending operations.”

As the fighting reached its second week, Biden called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” “unhindered humanitarian access,” and respect for “the will of the Sudanese people.”

“I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of our Embassy staff, who performed their duties with courage and professionalism and embodied America’s friendship and connection with the people of Sudan,” Biden said.

Separately, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he ordered the evacuation of personnel and their families due to “serious and growing security risks” in the midst of fighting that has already killed hundreds and injured thousands.

“We remind both belligerents of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including obligations related to the protection of civilians,” Blinken said, reiterating earlier calls to “extend and expand” a ceasefire agreement over the Eid ul-Fitr holiday.

The combat began on 15 April between army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s forces and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over a disagreement over the RSF’s intended merger into the regular army.

The combat began on 15 April between army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s forces and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over a disagreement over the RSF’s intended merger into the regular army.

The move was a fundamental requirement for a settlement aimed at restoring Sudan’s democratic transition after the military deposed previous President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019 in response to widespread citizen protests.

Before turning on each other, the two men had joined forces to depose a civilian government installed following Bashir’s demise.

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