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The White House recently announced that it has no immediate plans to coordinate a government-led evacuation of American citizens trapped in war-torn Sudan as the nation falls deeper into civil unrest. Approximately 16,000 private U.S. citizens are registered with the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum.
In a press release, President Biden stated, ‘I am receiving regular reports from my team on their ongoing work to assist Americans in Sudan, to the extent possible. We are also working closely with our allies and partners in this effort.’ In this time of crisis, conservative policy advocates for prioritizing the safety and well-being of American citizens abroad. Although nothing has been done.
Why is nobody talking about the fact that Biden just abandoned 16,000 American citizens in Sudan?
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 23, 2023
The U.S. Embassy in Sudan issued a warning earlier in the day, stating that the uncertain security situation in Khartoum and the closure of the airport make it currently unsafe to carry out a government-coordinated evacuation of private citizens. They emphasized that if an evacuation becomes necessary, it will be announced publicly via Travel Alerts and Travel Advisories.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken supported Biden’s statements and reassured Americans that the government would continue to provide assistance in Sudan. He emphasized the importance of working closely with allies and coordinating efforts for citizens’ safety. Conservatism stresses the value of strong international relationships and cooperation when protecting our citizens in times of crisis.
In his press release, Blinken wrote, ‘We will continue to assist Americans in Sudan in planning for their own safety and provide regular updates to U.S. citizens in the area. We will also continue to coordinate with our allies and partners as well as our local partners on efforts to ensure the safety of their personnel.’
The Department of Defense (DOD) has been actively working on a strategy for assisting Americans in Sudan. Christopher Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity warfare, shared their plans in a press release on Sunday morning. ‘In the coming days, we will continue to work with the State Department to help American citizens who may want to leave Sudan,’ Maier said.
HORRIBLE – SENT TO ME: This is what the Dept of State has been telling Americans trapped in #Sudan before the military evacuation today of only government personnel. Many Americans trapped in Sudan, I am told. They may not be evacuated like those at the embassy. pic.twitter.com/3n973HUU3d
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) April 23, 2023
Maier elaborated on the potential plans, stating, ‘One of those ways is to potentially make the overland routes out of Sudan more viable. So, DOD is at present considering actions that may include the use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to observe routes and detect threats.’ This statement aligns nicely with conservative values that advocate for a strong national defense and security infrastructure.
Unfortunately, Sudan’s recent descent into chaos has disrupted the country’s plans to transition to democracy and driven the already impoverished nation into an even more dire humanitarian crisis. Millions are trapped in urban areas, seeking shelter from gunfire and bombs, with no clear resolution in sight. Both sides of the conflict have yet to show any signs of achieving a swift victory or coming to the table for negotiations.
Sudan’s military has the advantage of air power, but the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have a strong presence in urban areas. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the RSF, made his most conciliatory comments since the fighting began, saying, ‘We all need to sit as Sudanese and find the right way out to return hope and life.’ Initially, Burhan declared the RSF a rebel force, called for its disbandment, and maintained that a military solution was the only option.
However, negotiations may be difficult as Sudan’s army leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), has stated his unwillingness to engage with Burhan. After the overthrow of former Sudanese leader Bashir and a subsequent 2021 coup, Burhan and Hemedti held the highest positions on a ruling council meant to facilitate a transfer of power to civilian rule and integrate the RSF into the army.
DEVELOPING: Americans stranded in Sudan with no evacuation plans by @JoeBiden. There are 16,000 Americans registered in Sudan, many others do not register. People contacting me to say their relatives and colleagues and pastors are stranded in Sudan. Saudi Arabia and others have… pic.twitter.com/CQwZxkuqmx
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) April 23, 2023
The situation in Sudan has become increasingly dire, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that as of Friday, 413 people have been killed, and 3,551 injured since fighting erupted. Among the casualties are at least five aid workers, a significant loss for a country heavily dependent on food aid.
Tragically, at least one American citizen has been killed thus far in the conflict. Although the unidentified individual did not work for the U.S. Embassy, their death underscores the urgency of the situation and the importance of the U.S. government taking action to protect its citizens.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the death, stating, ‘We can confirm the death of one U.S. citizen in Sudan. We are in touch with the family and offer our deepest condolences to them on their loss. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add.’
The U.S. State Department has announced that they have received word that at least 1 American has been Killed due to the Military Conflict in Sudan.
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 21, 2023
As Sudan’s turmoil continues, it’s vital that the United States acknowledges the urgency of the situation and takes action in line with conservative policy, which asserts that safeguarding American citizens both at home and abroad is a top priority.