The Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum has recently distributed aid to Indonesian citizens who have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The aid package was distributed directly to the Indonesian citizens in three regions of Sudan, namely Khartoum, Port Sudan, and Kassala. This effort was conducted in collaboration with the local authority of the three regions and aimed to alleviate the struggles faced by Indonesian nationals living in areas affected by the Sudanese war. This article will delve deeper into the distribution of aid by the Indonesian Embassy in Sudan to Indonesian citizens affected by the conflict.
The Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum has provided logistical assistance to Indonesian citizens (WNI) affected by the raging conflict in Sudan. Director of WNI and Legal Entities Protection at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Judha Nugraha, stated that around 200 Indonesians affected by the war, most of whom are students and migrant workers, were given assistance. The KBRI officials worked alongside two Indonesian Student Associations in Sudan to distribute the assistance by exploring several areas in Arkaweet and Makmurat, located 500 kilometers away from the armed conflict zone.
The KBRI had also successfully distributed essential goods to WNI, including to 76 students currently taking shelter in the Auditorium of the African International University. The assistance provided is in the form of instant noodles, bread, rice, eggs, tea, coffee, and mineral water. “KBRI managed to obtain the food supply amid the scarcity of logistical supply due to delays in the distribution of incoming goods and plenty of stores being closed,” Nugroho pointed out.
On April 16, the KBRI had conducted an online meeting with the WNI residing in Khartoum and its vicinity to convey steps and appeals from the embassy during the critical situation in Sudan. A total of 1,209 WNI are currently residing in Sudan, most of whom are living in Khartoum, Wad Madani, and Port Sudan.
The fighting has been raging on since Saturday (April 15) between the Sudan National Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary in Khartoum and its surroundings. According to data provided by the United Nations, the war has resulted in over 180 casualties and 1,800 being injured.
The armed conflict resulted from the disagreement between two military rivals over the military and security overhaul that aimed to fully incorporate RSF in the armed forces. The dispute came to the fore last week after the armed forces referred to recent activities of RSF as uncoordinated and illegal.
On Tuesday (April 18), the Sudan Armed Forces came into a temporary ceasefire agreement with the paramilitary. “The Sudan Armed Forces will abide by the ceasefire agreement for a 24-hour period starting from 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) in response to calls from the international community,” Sudanese Chief Commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told CNN.
On Tuesday morning, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo affirmed that his side agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire after having a conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “RSF would like to reiterate our commitment to the agreed 24-hour ceasefire to ensure the safe passage of civilians and the evacuation of the injured,” Dagalo remarked. As cited from the US Department of State, Blinken made separate phone calls with the commanders of both sides.
Blinken underscored that the ceasefire is of essence to pave the way for humanitarian aid distribution and to enable the international community to be present in Khartoum during the conflict.
The Embassy’s efforts have shown immediate help and aid to the Indonesian citizens in Sudan. As the conflict still rages on, it is important for all international communities to extend help and assistance in situations like these.
