The federal government has suspended operations in Sudan and evacuated diplomats from Canada’s embassy in the capital of Khartoum.
The move comes as world allies scrambled to airlift out personnel in the wake of escalating violence in the East African country, the result of conflict between Sudanese forces and paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more injured since power-sharing negotiations broke down between Sudanese forces and the RSF nine days ago.
“Everyone is extremely worried about this (war) continuing, and (they are worried) they will run out of food and water,” said Imad Satti, in Edmonton, who has brothers, nephews and extended family in Sudan. “This is a very, very terrible situation.
“I know some people there who have their family or part of their family stuck in Khartoum, and the situation is unsafe and they’re not able to come back,” said Satti, a board member at the Sudanese Canadian Community Association.
He said the decision to suspend consular services is “very bad” and will affect those who have sought immigration status as well as those who are trying to sponsor loved ones.
“Somehow (the government) needs to work, even if they are working remotely.”
Global Affairs Canada said in a statement the situation in Sudan made it “impossible to safeguard the safety and security” of staff in Khartoum.