Sudanese stranded in Libya demand help from embassy

Sudanese citizens who have been stranded in Benghazi city, Libya, have complained about the disregard by the Sudanese Embassy in Tripoli and the Consulate in Benghazi to transport them to Sudan. One of the “2,000 stranded Sudanese” in Benghazi told Radio Dabanga that they are facing “difficult humanitarian, health, and security circumstances here”. He pointed out that amongst the stranded are entire families and children. “We notified the Sudanese Embassy that we can’t get out of our homes because of the fighting in the city’s streets. But the Ambassador told us that he could not reach us,” the man explained, adding that they also reached out to the Consul in Benghazi. He told the Sudanese that “he, himself, is also stranded… and that the road is open for whoever wants to leave Benghazi”. The stranded man questioned the establishment of embassies and consulates if they cannot provide assistance to the citizens of their countries. “What is the army of ambassadors, diplomats, advisors, and employees doing? I appeal to the authorities in Khartoum to promptly evacuate and transport the stranded Sudanese, before we perish.” In August, a Committee for Sudanese Stranded in Libya urged the Sudanese government to evacuate its nationals from Libya. “Tens of thousands Sudanese are trapped in the Libyan conflict areas of Tripoli, Benghazi, and Brega.” Fighting between rival militias in Tripoli has forced the closure of the capital’s international airport. Islamist groups are battling army special forces in the eastern city of Benghazi. The UN and most embassies evacuated their staff throughout the month citing security concerns. Map: Benghazi city in Libya. Related: Govt ‘withdraws responsibility’ for Sudanese in Libya (10 August 2014)