DFA calls for caution among Pinoys in Sudan

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) appealed yesterday to Filipinos in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan in  North Africa to exercise caution in light of the uncertainty caused by the current political crisis there.

In a statement, the DFA urged Filipinos in Khartoum to avoid crowded areas and stay inside their homes while protests are ongoing.

Members of the Filipino community may inform the Philippine embassy in Cairo, Egypt of any developments which may affect them, the agency added.

Filipinos in need of assistance may contact the Philippine embassy in Cairo through +202-252-13062, its Facebook Page or the Philippine honorary consulate in Khartoum through the numbers +249-183-468717 or +249-183-468716.

According to reports, there are around 3,000 Filipinos in Sudan.

Large crowds have remained on the streets of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, protesting the military takeover following the ouster of longtime President Omar al-Bashir.

Demonstrators reportedly ignored a nighttime curfew declared by the country’s new military council, saying the council is part of the same regime. 

Bashir was overthrown and arrested on Thursday after months of street protests against his 30-year rule marked by famine and war.  

Reports said Bashir was indicted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region.