Chinese embassy in Sudan issues ‘high alert’ notice, tells citizens to stay indoors, away from windows

Urgent message from Chinese embassy in Khartoum comes as deadly fighting between rival Sudanese armed factions enters third day

No Chinese reported among the casualties, which have topped 1,000 and include dozens of civilians

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Smoke billows above homes in Khartoum as fighting between Sudanese armed forces and the RSF continues following weeks of deepening tensions. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:03pm, 17 Apr 2023Updated: 4:22pm, 17 Apr 2023

Beijing’s embassy in Khartoum advised Chinese citizens and companies to stay on “high alert” and avoid going outdoors, in an “urgent” message as deadly violence in the Sudanese capital entered a third day.

By Monday, clashes between rival Sudanese military forces had left at least 100 people dead in the northeast African country. More than 1,000 were reported injured, including dozens of civilians.

There were no reports of Chinese casualties.

“The Chinese embassy … urgently reminds Chinese citizens and Chinese institutions in Sudan to stay on high alert, strictly avoid going out, and strengthen security precautions,” the statement issued on Monday said.

“[Citizens] should stay away from street-level rooms or windows, to avoid being accidentally injured by stray bullets.”

Army soldiers deploy in Khartoum as clashes are reported on Saturday. Photo: AFP

The clashes, which erupted in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country on Saturday morning, follow months of tensions in a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the heavily armed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

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