DFA tells Pinoys in Sudan to ‘exercise caution’

MANILA–The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday called on overseas Filipinos in Sudan to exercise caution in light of the uncertainty caused by the current political crisis in the African country.

“The Department (echoes) the call of the Philippine Embassy in Cairo for Filipinos in Khartoum to avoid crowded areas and stay inside their homes while the protests are ongoing,” the DFA said in an advisory.

It also called on Filipinos to inform the embassy of any developments which may affect Filipinos in Sudan.

Filipinos in need of assistance are advised to contact the Philippine embassy in Cairo through +202-252-13062, the “Philippine Embassy in Egypt” Facebook Page, or the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Khartoum through the numbers +249-183-468717 or +249-183-468716.

Demonstrations against the 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir began last year, with thousands recently marching outside the Sudanese army headquarters Khartoum.

According to reports, some military units have begun using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protest march.

In a statement, the office of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Sudanese government to show “full respect for human rights, including the freedom of assembly, the freedom of expression, and the release of detained protestors.”