On 15th April 2023, an outbreak of violence erupted between the Sudan National Army and a rival paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces. This unfortunate event has resulted in a deteriorating security situation in the Republic of The Sudan, leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of civilians.

The escalation of this conflict prompted Kenyan citizens to flee by road from Sudan via Metema which is 862 Km by road to Addis Ababa, and 162 Km from Gondar town where the nearest airport is found

The Kenya Embassy in Addis Ababa set up a coordination centre in Gondar to manage the large group of Kenyans’ fleeing Sudan. A total of 271 Kenyans which included expatriates, domestic workers, Students and infants were evacuated. The Mission coordinated the safe passage of the evacuees and maintained contact with them to ensure their safety until they reached home safely.

The Kenya Embassy partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Red Cross International, Kenya Airways, the host Government to facilitate Kenyan Nationals to have safe passage and an easy transit in the Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The National Courier Kenya Airways evacuated a total of about 230 people from Gondar airport to Jomo Kenyatta International airport where the evacuees were received by Kenya Government officials.

The Embassy wishes all the returnees a peaceful transition back home. We further encourage Kenyans to register with Missions in their areas of jurisdiction for easy facilitation during times of crisis.