UN evacuates staff from Sudan, but Perthes remains in Khartoum

April 24, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – In response to the escalating security situation in Sudan, the United Nations has temporarily relocated its internationally-recruited personnel from Khartoum to Port Sudan. But, Volker Perthes the Head of the UNITAMS remains in the capital despite the war.

According to a statement, the UNITAMS announced the relocation of its international staff members to the neighbouring countries to reduce risks to their safety while continuing to work remotely.

Some 700 UN, and international NGOs (INGOs) staff and their dependents have reached Port Sudan by road. Additionally, 43 UN internationally recruited and 29 INGO staff have already been evacuated from El Geneina (West Darfur) and Zalingei (Central Darfur) to Chad. Other operations are ongoing or planned.

Despite the evacuation, a small number of internationally recruited personnel, including the Special Representative of Secretary-General Volker Perthes, will remain in Sudan. They will continue to work towards a resolution to the current crisis and return to the UN-mandated tasks.

“We are committed to staying in Sudan and supporting the Sudanese people in every way possible,” said Perthes, who is based in Khartoum. “We will do everything we can to save lives while protecting the safety of our personnel.”

Perthes will continue to use his good offices, in close coordination with partners, to de-escalate tensions and bring an end to hostilities in Sudan.

The UN has 877 international staff and 3,272 national staff in Sudan, for a total of 4,149. The organization is taking necessary measures to protect Sudanese staff members and their families and is exploring every possible avenue to support them.

(ST)