Arrangements made for evacuation of Indians from South Sudan: Sushma Swaraj

In the wake of conflict in South Sudan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation after which she said the government has made arrangements for the evacuation of Indians from the war-torn country.

The meeting, which was attended by both Ministers of State -V K Singh and M J Akbar, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, also discussed ways to coordinate emergency assistance to Indian nationals. “We have made all arrangements to evacuate Indians from South Sudan in case the situation deteriorates further,” Swaraj said while noting that the situation in that country has reportedly improved.

Asserting that security of Indians was most important to the government, she said, “Even if the situation remains ok, we will ask them if they want to return and we will get them out of there.” According to the minister, there are around 600 Indians in South Sudan, of them 450 are in Juba (capital city of South Sudan) and nearly 150 are outside Juba, where the fighting is taking place at present.

South Sudan’s capital is witnessing heavy fighting due to clashes between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city. Yesterday, MEA in its advisory had said Indian nationals desirous of departing for South Sudan may register themselves at the email ID controlroomjuba@gmail.com.

“It is important to have exact number of Indian nationals seeking facility of evacuation to make arrangements. Please be brief,” the advisory on assistance for Indian nationals in South Sudan had said.In case of absence of Internet, please text to +211955589611, +211925502025, +211956942720, +211955318587, it added.

“The security situation in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, has deteriorated since July 7, 2016. We have reports of gun fire and fighting on the streets of Juba making any movement virtually impossible.

“Ministry of External Affairs advises all Indian nationals against all travel to South Sudan till situation improves,” it added.