Trudeau says Canada to conduct airlifts out of Sudan, has two ships off its coast

OTTAWA –

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a Canadian effort is underway to conduct airlifts out of Sudan, and two military vessels have arrived off its coast as violence in the region continues for a second week.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says 100 Canadians have already left the country and another 1,700 people have registered with the government and are being contacted by Canadian authorities.

Joly says the federal government is also providing information for people who are attempting to leave the country on their own, and safe passage for Canadians has already been negotiated with several countries in the region, including Kenya, Ethiopia and Egypt.

Canada is continuing calls for a ceasefire, with hundreds killed and thousands injured in violence that erupted last week after power-sharing negotiations between the country’s armed forces and paramilitary troops fell apart.

Defence Minister Anita Anand says the government is trying to help anyone who is requesting assistance but called the situation “extremely volatile and extremely intense.”

Trudeau also says he spoke with the chairperson of the African Union to offer Canada’s support.

Minister of foreign affairs Melanie Joly on Sudan evacuation efforts. 1700 Canadians including dual nationals have registered with Global Affairs. Here’s what help is being provided #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/Vf40DrUGjU

— Judy Trinh (@judyatrinh) April 25, 2023

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2023.