An evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, August 24, 2021. /US MARINE CORPS-AFP
The recent evacuation of Americans from Sudan is the second evacuation of U.S. citizens since the events in Afghanistan in 2021. The events in Afghanistan in 2021 led to significant security concerns and the evacuation of numerous individuals, including U.S. citizens and Afghan allies, as the situation rapidly evolved. These evacuations are complex and require coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved. The U.S. government, along with its international partners, continues to work on facilitating the safe return of its citizens and addressing the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan.
U.S Department of State on May 05, 2023 press release to the media said :
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to discuss the situation in Sudan. Secretary Blinken expressed the United States gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s invaluable assistance in facilitating the safe arrival in Jeddah of U.S. citizens and their family members departing Sudan. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister affirmed their countries’ intensive collaboration on diplomatic work to bring about an end to the fighting in Sudan. The Secretary also emphasized his commitment to advancing an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process that empowers Yemenis to shape a brighter future for their country. They discussed common regional and global priorities, including cooperation under the auspices of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.”
The fate and future of 50 Afghan citizens who sought refuge in Sudan after working with coalition forces or the Afghan National Army in Afghanistan will depend on several factors.
Firstly, it will depend on their legal status in Sudan. If they entered Sudan as refugees, they may seek asylum and go through the process of being recognized as refugees by the Sudanese government or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This recognition would grant them certain rights and protection.
Secondly, their future may be influenced by the policies and actions of the Sudanese government and international actors. Sudan may provide temporary protection and assistance to these individuals, or they may be eligible for resettlement in a third country through refugee resettlement programs.
Additionally, the international community, including organizations such as UNHCR and non-governmental organizations, can play a crucial role in advocating for the protection and well-being of these Afghan citizens. They can provide assistance, and legal support, and help facilitate durable solutions, such as resettlement or repatriation if and when the situation in Afghanistan improves.
It is important for the international community to prioritize the safety and well-being of Afghan individuals who have worked closely with coalition forces and are now in vulnerable situations. Continued coordination and cooperation among governments, international organizations, and civil society groups are vital to ensuring the protection and support of these individuals during their displacement.
