Summary

  • The UK is lobbying for an extension to the ceasefire in Sudan, which is due to end at midnight

  • Sudan's army has said it is willing to extend the truce, but there has been no response from its rival Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group

  • Thousands of people are continuing to make perilous journeys to leave the country before the truce ends

  • UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned Britons in Sudan that now was the time to leave and there is no guarantee evacuation flights will continue if the truce ends

  • At least 459 people have been killed since the fighting broke out on 15 April - though the actual number is thought to be much higher

  • Despite the ceasefire, fighting is continuing in parts of the country

  1. In photos: Arriving home after escaping war in Sudanpublished at 13:34 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Moroccans evacuated from Sudan arrive in CasablancaImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Moroccans evacuated from Sudan arrive in Casablanca

    People arriving from Sudan at Stansted AirportImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    British citizens greet loved ones at Stansted Airport in London

    People embrace as they arrive at Stansted AirportImage source, PA
    Image caption,

    Women embrace as they arrive back in the UK

    Indian nationals evacuated from Sudan embrace as they arrive in Chennai, IndiaImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    There were emotional scenes as Indian nationals arrived in Chennai, eastern India

    Greek and other nationals arriving in AthensImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Greek and other nationals arriving in Athens

  2. 'My relatives died as they could not access dialysis'published at 13:18 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    People in Birmingham are among those with family in Sudan, anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones.

    Birmingham doctor Fathi Jamil told the BBC he has lost two relatives in Sudan this week. They had kidney failure and had been unable to access dialysis treatment due to the breakdown in health services.

    "The rebels came and they asked them to move out of the house. Access to water, electricity, internet, food is a big problem."

    Dr Fathi Jamil
    Image caption,

    Dr Jamil's relatives died as they could not access dialysis

  3. 'Element of discretion' over who gets help in Sudan, No 10 sayspublished at 13:01 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    The eligibility of who can be evacuated from Sudan has not changed, but those working to evacuate British nationals have some "element of discretion" over who they assist, Downing Street has said.

    British passport holders and their immediate family with existing UK entry clearance are the only people being told they are eligible.

    When PM Rishi Sunak's spokesman was asked what exactly "discretion" means in this context, he said the government has been clear that people "should not go to the airport unless you are a British passport holder or their dependent", but added that they also want to "empower people on the ground to make decisions" in extremely difficult circumstances.

    The spokesman also told reporters there are no current plans to create a specific resettlement scheme for anyone fleeing Sudan, but the government is still reviewing the situation.

  4. Air strikes reported in Khartoumpublished at 12:46 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Sudan's military has been carrying out air strikes against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital Khartoum, despite a ceasefire being in force, the AFP news agency is reporting.

    Warplanes have been seen over the city's northern suburbs, while fighters on the ground have been exchanging artillery and heavy machine-gun fire, it quotes witnesses as saying.

    Meanwhile, Sudan News has tweeted that three civilians were injured, external when a projectile hit a residential block in Khartoum.

    It did not say who was behind the attack.

  5. Recap: What's been happening in Sudan?published at 12:34 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    • A three-day ceasefire between two rival armies - the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group (RSF) is due to end at midnight tonight. Fighting has continued in parts of the country despite the ceasefire
    • Sudan's health ministry says at least 512 people have been killed in the conflict so far since 15 April, but the real death toll is thought to be much higher
    • Around 536 British nationals have been evacuated from Sudan. The BBC has spoken to people arriving at Larnaca airport in Cyprus
    • UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has advised British citizens in Sudan to get out now. He says there is no guarantee that evacuations will be possible after the ceasefire ends
    • The BBC's Newsday programme has been told that militiamen have been terrorising civilians in the city of Nyala in South Darfur, a sign that violence has spread beyond the capital Khartoum
  6. 'British government asleep at the wheel' - Ed Daveypublished at 12:26 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Peter Henley
    Political editor

    Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed DaveyImage source, PA Media

    Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has accused the British government of being “asleep at the wheel” when it comes to evacuations from Sudan.

    “Other countries were way better than us," he says.

    "The British response has been way too slow, just as we saw in Afghanistan with terrible costs.

    "This British government seems to be asleep at the wheel every time they’re asked to step up.”

  7. Regional pressure needed to secure sustained ceasefire, expert sayspublished at 12:12 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    A burned vehicle is seen in KhartoumImage source, Reuters

    Securing a longstanding ceasefire will require regional powers to be more involved in negotiations, a security expert has told the BBC.

    James Horner, former deputy director for the Horn of Africa at the International Crisis Group think tank, says the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are all "to one extent or another backers" of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and parameter Rapid Support Force (RSF).

    He explains none of these nations "have shown much of an inclination" to bring an end to the fighting "or even ask for much in the way of a ceasefire".

    Asked by BBC News why they have been quiet, given the possibility of the conflict spilling over into neighbouring countries, Horner says the conflict is "seen as somewhat existential for these regional benefactors" of both sides.

    Horner adds there is an ongoing "battle for control" over Sudan in the wake of the end of Omar al-Bashir's three decades of authoritarian rule - his regime was toppled in 2019.

    Quote Message

    There is seen to be a governance and security vacuum, so there's real concern from neighbouring and regional countries who want to make sure they have influence over the country's potentially very vibrant economy."

  8. Royal Navy frigate arrives at Port Sudanpublished at 12:03 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Olga Robinson
    BBC Verify

    HMS Lancaster, pictured in 2020 near Portsmouth naval baseImage source, PA Media

    According to Vessel Finder and Marine Traffic websites, HMS Lancaster has arrived at Port Sudan, where it is to take part in the evacuation of British nationals and residents.

    BBC Verify will continue tracking the movements of the Royal Navy frigate and report on any updates here.

  9. Civilians terrorised in Darfur as conflict spreads - journalistpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    In the latest sign that the violence in Sudan has spread beyond the capital Khartoum, militiamen have been terrorising civilians in the city of Nyala in South Darfur, a journalist and rights monitor there has told the BBC's Newsday programme.

    "They are looting, stealing, destroying people’s property and killing," Ahmed Gouja said.

    He added that the fighters were aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is involved in a battle for power with the Sudanese army.

    "There are two sides to this war - the RSF and the Sudanese army. At the same time we have a war with militias who are looting and stealing people’s property," Gouja added.

    The RSF, formed in 2013, has its origins in the notorious Janjaweed militia that brutally fought rebels in Darfur, where they were accused of ethnic cleansing.

    In its latest update on the conflict, external, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) said that fighting, looting and the burning of houses had also been reported in Ag Geneina town in West Darfur on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    "Markets have reportedly been looted, as well as several humanitarian organisations’ premises. Most of the health centres are not functioning."

    There were concerns about a potential escalation of ethnic tensions, it added.

  10. 'We were out of food, water and electricity'published at 11:46 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Rua was evacuated from Sudan on a flight to Larnaca, Cyprus

    Rua, who was evacuated from Sudan with her baby has told the BBC, "It was really difficult getting out... I just thank God that we’re here."

    She said both herself and her baby were sick, and had found it hard to be prioritised to get on a flight.

    "Can you imagine staying at home and not being able to sleep, not being able to eat? We were out of food, out of water, no electricity network, nothing," she added.

    Rua was on board a flight with other UK citizens that arrived into Larnaca, Cyprus this morning. The group is due to return to the UK on a further flight.

  11. Holidaymakers mix with evacuees in Larnacapublished at 11:37 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Lewis Vaughan Jones, in Larnaca

    Black bags of possessions being unloaded at Larnaca Airport, Cyprus

    At times, a stark contrast here between scenes of happy holidaymakers pushing their luggage through the airport and people who have just fled Sudan, carrying black plastic bags and suitcases of whatever they could bring.

    In the last few minutes, two coaches of UK nationals who managed to flee the fighting arrived - they will board a chartered flight back to the UK.

    They made it to an airfield just north of Khartoum yesterday and were flown to Cyprus on military aircraft where they were put up in hotels.

    One man told me about his relief that he is finally going home and described the difficult journey to the airfield in Sudan and seeing bodies in the streets.

  12. RSF accuses Sudanese army of attacking its basespublished at 11:26 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    RSF forcesImage source, Getty Images

    With South Sudan leading the mediation efforts in Sudan to extend the ceasefire which is due to end tonight, Rapid Support Forces have accused the Sudanese army of attacking one of their bases in Kafuri area, Bahri city, north of Khartoum, with air strikes and artillery.

    The accusation came at a time when the Sudanese army had accepted South Sudan President Salva Kiir's proposal of face-to-face discussions but the RSF has yet to answer the proposal.

    RSF said on Facebook this morning: "Since morning, the extremist putschist forces have been attacking the Rapid Support Forces camp in Kafuri area, with air strikes and artillery. Our troops have confronted the attacking forces."

    The Sudanese army has not commented on the accusations and we cannot independently verify the claims.

  13. 'One of the most stressful journeys I have ever made'published at 11:15 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Brian McDaidImage source, Brian McDaid

    Irishman Brian McDaid has arrived back home in Londonderry after escaping from Sudan.

    He was forced to shelter in a basement with his family in Khartoum as gunfire and shelling hit the city.

    McDaid worked as a teacher at an international school in Sudan, and was evacuated with his family by the Spanish military.

    As an Irish passport holder, McDaid said he got a call from Irish officials on Sunday morning advising him to go to the Spanish ambassador's residence in Khartoum.

    McDaid said his family had to make a split-decision and decided that where they were hiding was no longer safe and they had to go.

    He told the BBC Radio Foyle that the journey to the airstrip was "one of the most stressful journeys I have ever made".

    "Before we left our neighbourhood I thought 'this can't be happening' - there was a little mortar that dropped and fell maybe three metres from one of the cars," he said.

  14. Neighbouring Chad under pressure as refugees arrivepublished at 11:01 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    International Rescue Committee staff in Chad helping arrivals from SudanImage source, International Rescue Committee
    Image caption,

    International Rescue Committee staff in Chad helping arrivals from Sudan

    Thousands of Sudanese people are on the move, with many travelling to take refuge in neighbouring Chad.

    David Miliband, president and chief executive of the International Rescue Committee, says his organisation is helping people who have fled to Chad.

    “The situation in Sudan has regional ramifications with nearly 20,000 Sudanese displaced into neighbouring Chad. Chad has been generously welcoming in Sudanese refugees, but Chad itself is a low-income, crisis-affected country which will struggle to maintain this generosity unless they receive immediate economic support."

    He added that while "European leaders are focused on evacuating their citizens... there is no time to waste in shifting focus on supporting and protecting those who remain".

  15. Sudan health ministry puts death toll at 512published at 10:46 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Sudan's health ministry says the number of people killed in the clashes between the army and the RSF is 512 - with another 4,193 injured.

    A post on its Facebook page says: "The [ministry's] report showed that there were 4,193 injuries and 512 deaths in the country, including 2,403 injuries and 169 deaths in Khartoum state during that period [between 15 to 25 April]."

    Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, the Sudanese Doctors' Syndicate put the civilian death toll from the fighting between 15 to 26 April at 303, with 1,848 injured.

  16. 'Wounded will bleed in hospital waiting room for seven hours'published at 10:35 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Gabriela Pomeroy
    Live reporter

    Omer Kamal MahgoubImage source, Omer Kamal Mahgoub

    I've been talking to Omer Kamal Mahgoub, a doctor working in a suburb of Khartoum. He says healthcare services have broken down in the city.

    "Most hospitals in Khartoum are not functioning. Emergency departments are operating in some hospitals, but it takes many hours to be seen by a doctor. If you go in with a gunshot wound, you have to wait seven hours to be seen. You will bleed in the waiting room for seven hours."

    "The main problem for people is getting to hospital due to lack of petrol."

    Omer works as a primary care doctor in a suburb which he describes as "relatively safe".

    "At my clinic this week I saw a boy who had not eaten for two days because his dad is a day labourer. He gets paid by the day and had no work due to the fighting so there was no food. The boy was severely dehydrated."

    "Cancer patients are on hold. People are coming to me to ask for cancer medicines as they cannot get them from their usual hospitals."

    "RSF soldiers are even stopping ambulances at checkpoints. I was travelling in an ambulance with some patients, and the soldiers stopped us and asked me to get out. When they asked me what I was doing, I knew that the one thing not to tell them is that I'm a doctor as I was afraid they would take me and force me to treat their fighters."

    "Personally I have no plans to leave Khartoum. Me and my family are all staying here. We have bought a house here. This is our home."

  17. The two generals at war over Sudanpublished at 10:19 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as HemedtiImage source, Getty Images

    At the heart of the battle for Sudan are these two men: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

    Initially the pair worked together. They carried out a coup - relying on one another - but now their battle for supremacy is tearing Sudan apart.

    To understand their relationship we need to go back a bit.

    Both played key roles in the counter-insurgency against Darfuri rebels, in the civil war in Sudan's western region that began in 2003.

    Gen Burhan rose to control the Sudanese army in Darfur.

    Hemedti was the commander of one of the many Arab militias, collectively known as the Janjaweed, which the government employed to brutally put down the largely non-Arab Darfuri rebel groups.

    Read more about it here.

  18. End to ceasefire could bring humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, says ministerpublished at 10:11 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Andrew MitchellImage source, Getty Images

    Africa minister in the UK Foreign Office, Andrew Mitchell, has warned that an end to the ceasefire could result in a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.

    He told the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House: “It is essential that a ceasefire is maintained and that a political process is secured.

    “If not, the humanitarian consequences will be incalculable.

    “The UK will continue to work tirelessly to help bring an end to the violence and provide vital humanitarian relief.”

    Earlier, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that he couldn't offer guarantees about evacuations from Sudan - if and when the current ceasefire would end.

    He said: "We do know is it will be much, much harder, potentially impossible."

  19. South Sudan: RSF not responding to ceasefire extension callpublished at 10:00 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    South Sudan - leading mediation efforts to end the conflict - says the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has not responded to a proposal to extend the ceasefire to Sunday.

    Foreign Minister Deng Dau Deng told the BBC that General Hamdan Dagalo has also not answered calls for face-to-face talks.

    A statement from Sudan’s army said its leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had given his initial approval to the request.

    Deng Dau Deng told the BBC: “We hope that General Dagalo will be able to respond positively to the request.”

    The ceasefire, due to end at midnight local time, between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been strained by reports of continued fighting and shelling in parts of Sudan.

  20. China deploys navy to evacuate citizens from Sudanpublished at 09:50 British Summer Time 27 April 2023

    Cat Wiener
    BBC World Service Newsroom

    China, one of Sudan's largest trading partners, has deployed naval vessels to evacuate more of its citizens.

    Its foreign ministry said it expected to transfer some 800 people before the ceasefire is due to end tonight.

    Rescue operations by a number of countries have intensified since the truce began on Tuesday.

    Tens of thousands of Sudanese nationals are also fleeing the violence and insecurity in their country.

    The majority have taken refuge in the neighbouring states of South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Egypt and Djibouti.

    Aid agencies are calling for urgent humanitarian assistance for the refugees.

    Many have been displaced not just by the fighting but by shortages of water, food and other vital supplies in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and the near collapse of the city's health system.