APA-Lilongwe (Malawi) Malawi has embarked on a headcount for its citizens living in Sudan in the wake of the recent flare-up of skirmishes between rival army factions in the north-east African country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.
According to the ministry, all Malawians currently residing in Sudan should register with the country’s embassy in Egypt, which also serves Sudan.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform members of the public that in view of the ongoing war in the Republic of Sudan, the ministry is reminding all Malawians who are currently in that country to ensure they are registered with the Malawi Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, which is accredited to Khartoum,” it said.
The exercise comes in the wake of raging gun battles since April 15 between the Sudan Armed Forces and its paramilitary wing known as the Rapid Support Force (RSF) over control of the country.
The African Union, United Nations and other organisations met Thursday and pushed for a cessation of hostilities between the warring parties.
However, the efforts to halt the fighting appeared to have failed on Friday despite pledges by the RSF to respect a 72-hour truce on humanitarian grounds.
Bombing and shelling was reported in several areas of Khartoum on Friday after the ceasefire was due to commence.
At least 350 people have been killed since fighting broke out last Saturday while thousands of others have been injured.
The Malawian ministry called on its citizens caught up in Sudanese fighting “to stay safe and be vigilant at all times.”
Meanwhile, the ministry said it has begun the process of repatriating at least 50 Malawians stranded in Oman where they have faced abuse by the employers.
The women allegedly experienced sexual harassment, long working hours, non-payment of salaries, slavery working conditions and other forms of abuse.
Ministry spokesperson John Kabaghe told journalists that the Lilongwe authorities this week released K400 million to the country’s mission in Kuwait to facilitate the process.
JN/APA