Germany accuses UK of delaying evacuation from Sudan

Evacuation rate likely to increase before ceasefire

Germany has accused the UK of delaying its efforts to evacuate people from Sudan after imposing a temporary blockade airfield.

Senior German political sources told the BBC that British troops had angered the Sudanese army by landing in the country without permission.

They claimed that the dispute resulted in a temporary blockade of the Wadi Seidna airfield near the capital Khartoum, meaning that the German rescuers had «lost at least half a day». to carry out evacuation flights.

The Ministry of Defense rejected the claim that Germany «slowed down»; Britain, while Foreign Secretary James Cleverley insisted he would not «recognize the message».

Speaking on Sky News, the Foreign Minister said: “I had an exchange of views with my colleague, German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock.”

&#34 I know that Ben Wallace and the military exchanged views. … I don't recognize this report, it's not what we were told.”

He said he had received assurances from the Secretary of Defense that the UK had permits, but Mr Cleverly said he would consider this question.

'The UK has not slowed down Germany's plans'

MoD said in a statement that it was not responsible for any delays at the airfield.

"It is wrong to assume that the UK's efforts to evacuate embassy staff from Sudan last weekend were wrong. slowed down German plans.

“Operating in such difficult conditions will always be difficult, but we have worked very closely with our French, American and especially German partners who have facilitated access to the airfield throughout this week, and of course Well, we are still grateful to the Sudanese. Armed Forces" said the Ministry of Defense.

Meanwhile, Mr Cleverly warned that evacuating British citizens from Sudan might be "impossible" after the end of the 72-hour truce.

He urged British citizens not to delay trying to leave the country as evacuation missions would become «much, much harder»; Beginning Friday.

The call comes amid growing fears that violence in Sudan will resume when the US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire ends at midnight Thursday.

'No guarantee of evacuation after ceasefire

Sky News Mr Cleverley said: «We cannot predict what will happen when the ceasefire ends, but we know it will be much more difficult, potentially impossible.»

" what we are saying to British citizens is that if you are hesitant, if you are weighing your options, our strong, strong, strong advice is to go to Wadi Seidna while the ceasefire is in place.

"There are planes, there is capacity, we will take them out. I will not be able to give the same assurances after the ceasefire.

The RAF will seek to evacuate up to 500 British citizens from the Wadi Seidna airfield north of Khartoum. , to Cyprus before they are sent back to the UK.

Foreign Office officials said 536 people had been evacuated from Sudan on six flights as of 9 p.m. Wednesday. The seventh military flight to Larnaca took place last night, as well as a charter flight to London.