Sudan brit evacuation

[langleybaston]

Various news items suggest that we now have an airfield from which to repatriate hapless Brits.

Job for the Regiment? Surely yes, but probably not being used. Again.

Anyway, good luck to all, get Home safely.

[NutLoose]

They're on their way?


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1280x720/image_b69a709809810cf747b3be48d5b9e2bf9ed8e377.png

[SLXOwft]

https://news.sky.com/video/sudan-volatile-situation-in-khartoum-as-120-british-forces-arrive-at-airfield-to-help-with-evacuation-12866133
Ben Wallace press conference (interestingly with some looking suspiciously like the Commandant General of the Regiment (AVM Smeath) sitting next to him)

Germans in charge at Airfield - UK will take over if they leave before evac complete.

Looks like it's the Marines (footage of them boarding C-130 at Aktrotiri) also scoping out sea evacuation from Port Sudan. (Youtube version of same clip is longer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnUfdoAgNHc

[PlasticCabDriver]

Good Lord, AVM Smeath! I remember Fg Off Smeath!

[Gordon Brown]

If it does turn out that the RAF Regt has been overlooked again for airfield defence, surely the time has come to accept that it is no longer needed?

[OvertHawk]

If it does turn out that the RAF Regt has been overlooked again for airfield defence, surely the time has come to accept that it is no longer needed?

If the Marines are already in Cyprus then surely that makes the most sense?

But why let sense get in the way of a good rant!

[langleybaston]

If the Marines are already in Cyprus then surely that makes the most sense?

But why let sense get in the way of a good rant!

But were they in Cyprus?
By continuing to not use the Regiment its perceived usefullness will indeed decline.
Not a rant

[The Helpful Stacker]

Various news items suggest that we now have an airfield from which to repatriate hapless Brits.

Job for the Regiment?

Why? Has an EFI been set up?

[langleybaston]

Why? Has an EFI been set up?
please translate

[downsizer]

please translate

It won't guard itself will it.

[BATCO]

Almost back on thread...
1. I too remember Mick Smith as a Fg Off. He's done very well and I wish him good fortune.
2. Despite the RAF Regt's banter over the years, they really are part of the RAF's overall capability. I think the case for elements to be present on the ground (alongside all the others needed to turn around aircraft and process/load the entitled pax) is both sound and enduring. Indeed, I expect there will be some Regt personnel there, just not as highly visible and newsworthy as RM.
3. The UK is usually quite slow off the mark compared with others. My predecessor in squadron command related at our HO/TO that after being alerted and preparing he and the squadron had been awaiting the order to go into 'x' for so long that the window of opportunity had closed. Germany, Italy and France had all been in and out the previous day.

News reports indicate that some of our entitled personnel have now been brought out by RAF.

[langleybaston]

It won't guard itself will it.

To clarify, please what is an EFI?

"only a retired civvy poking his nose in again".............

[Toadstool]

To clarify, please what is an EFI?

"only a retired civvy poking his nose in again".............

Expeditionary Forces Institute - deployed NAAFI.

[minigundiplomat]

To clarify, please what is an EFI?

"only a retired civvy poking his nose in again".............

To expand on Toadstool's reply, the RAF Regt were the wrong end of banter during the Iraq and Afghanistan debacles as the 'short range desert group' and known for keeping the EFI safe

[langleybaston]

To expand on Toadstool's reply, the RAF Regt were the wrong end of banter during the Iraq and Afghanistan debacles as the 'short range desert group' and known for keeping the EFI safe

Thank you both

[andyy]

If the Marines are already in Cyprus then surely that makes the most sense?

But why let sense get in the way of a good rant!

Do we still have a nominated "Spearhead" regiment, on rotation from the UK's collective infantry units? If so, isnt it most likely that it was 40 Cdo's turn to provide the Spearhead "regiment" and therefore step up for this op?
Do the RAF Regt have a formed unit that provides the "Spearhead" regiment?
I would be surprised if 40 Cdo are not being augmented by specialists in airfield security.

[cheekychimp]

To expand on Toadstool's reply, the RAF Regt were the wrong end of banter during the Iraq and Afghanistan debacles as the 'short range desert group' and known for keeping the EFI safe
and that banter turned into pure hatred and bile by some very ill informed people. I don't remember any of our casualties being killed or wounded on camp, except in the Bastion attack and Basra rocketing, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army/Tongans sat in the towers at Bastion.
Back on track, the RAF Regt don't have a Battalion/Commando sized unit sat on standby for this sort of thing. We have troops on the AMPTs and TACPs, but that isn't newsworthy.

[langleybaston]

I am sorry to have turned over a stone or, dare I say, a Rock!

Given the Regiment's role of Force Protection, I would have been surprised to find it far from an airfield or Line of Communications.

Rather like Marines on an airfield, come to think of it.

[India Four Two]

They're on their way?

I couldn't help looking up the name of the film starring a very young Kenneth More and an Indian locomotive. It's North West Frontier.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_West_Frontier_(film)


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/365x272/north_west_frontier_a_1959_film_15c91acf6708a841c44279de79c3 4595b41c4aba.jpg

[FantomZorbin]

Posted by Langley Baston
Rather like Marines on an airfield

We had a RM detachment at RAF Luqa, Malta in the 70's. Very quick off the mark when an aircraft decanted several not so friendly vehicles onto the runway.

[Alan Baker]

I couldn't help looking up the name of the film starring a very young Kenneth More and an Indian locomotive. It's North West Frontier.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_West_Frontier_(film)


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/365x272/north_west_frontier_a_1959_film_15c91acf6708a841c44279de79c3 4595b41c4aba.jpg
"Very Young"? Kenneth More was 44 when North West Frontier was made, and almost at the end of his film stardom

[EESDL]

It certainly appears that UK has lost ability to do anything particularly useful in troubled times. The lack of knowledgeable personnel in FO, coupled with the inability of anyone to make a decision will undoubtedly cause an increased loss of life.
surprised to read of 4000 Brit citizens in country. Maybe citizens will think twice in the future when your Nation does not have the wherewithal to come to your aid?
Another example where reducing assets within the business case of having better technology has been found wanting again.
Thank goodness we got rid of those Hercs - or any aircraft that doesn’t need an international airport to operate!

[TWT]

The Indonesian Air Force is evacuating its citizens from Khartoum. Saw a press pic of a 737 on the ramp.

That's a long journey.

[MPN11]

"Very Young"? Kenneth More was 44 when North West Frontier was made, and almost at the end of his film stardom
... and the Indian engine driver was called Gupta, played by I S Johar (https://wiki.alquds.edu/?query=I._S._Johar). ;)

Now back to our regular programming.

[chevvron]

The Indonesian Air Force is evacuating its citizens from Khartoum. Saw a press pic of a 737 on the ramp.

That's a long journey.
If Khartoum airport is useable again, why do the RAF keep using the other airfield which has little parking space and where the runway is deteriorating fast?

[chevvron]

I couldn't help looking up the name of the film starring a very young Kenneth More and an Indian locomotive. It's North West Frontier.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_West_Frontier_(film)


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/365x272/north_west_frontier_a_1959_film_15c91acf6708a841c44279de79c3 4595b41c4aba.jpg
Take a look at page 1 posting #2.

[TWT]

If Khartoum airport is useable again, why do the RAF keep using the other airfield which has little parking space and where the runway is deteriorating fast?

Turns out that the Indonesian 737 landed in Port Sudan, not Khartoum according to this article. Khartoum evacuees
transferred by road from the capital. My mistake.

https://www.merdeka.com/foto/dunia/1545389/20230427165616-boeing-737-tni-au-jemput-warga-indonesia-meninggalkan-sudan-001-debby-restu-utomo.html

[bspatz]

Does anyone know why the RAF are using Larnaca and not Akrotiri?

[unmanned_droid]

I read that Akrotiri was too busy.

[KeyPilot]

Does anyone know why the RAF are using Larnaca and not Akrotiri?

I was wondering that. How can it be too busy? We are only talking at most a few handfuls of movements (A400M/C130/civil charter).

KP

[langleybaston]

[QUOTE=EESDL;11426526[i]]It certainly appears that UK has lost ability to do anything particularly useful in troubled times. The lack of knowledgeable personnel in FO, coupled with the inability of anyone to make a decision will undoubtedly cause an increased loss of life.

A neighbour and occasional drinking partner is ex FO, sufficiently senior to have been knighted.
He is scathing about the FO, both currently and the way it was going in the years leading to his retirement. "Box-ticking, woke, pursues its own policies rather than those of democratically elected governments' manifestos" etc etc.

Such that his advice to my very bright grandson finishing a PPE at a Russell Group Uni is AVOID.

[Video Mixdown]

I was wondering that. How can it be too busy? We are only talking at most a few handfuls of movements (A400M/C130/civil charter).KP
​​​​​​What is that opinion based on? I suspect you are quite wrong.

[chevvron]

Does anyone know why the RAF are using Larnaca and not Akrotiri?
I would guess it's because of the passenger handling facilies at Larnaca; there's only a tiny terminal at Akrotiri and not too many personnel to staff it especially at night after all you're not talking about loads of squaddies arriving in bulk but civilians and children.

[Scamp]

AKT staff go down the beach from lunchtime onwards ............not enough SHADER personnel to cope with the additional work!

[SLXOwft]

I presume Larnaca is also more suitable for the charter aircraft being used. Of course the US may have insisted asked the UK to avoid the risk of the passengers accidentally seeing the weather balloons.:ok:

Using the RM rather the regiment is logical IMHO because:

the marines were available at Akrotiri, presumably from the same unit that performed the evacuation of diplomatic staff with 16 Air Assault and an unnamed unit based near the English/Welsh border.
II Squadron RAF Regt (having recently taken over from 51 Squadron RAF Regt) have an important job to do at Akrotiri which given its location and the ongoing operations is undoubtedly on several lists of targets.
the operation is more of 'aid to the civil power' one rather than an opposed extraction which would potentially justify flying Rocks out from the UK to defend aircraft ops.
the airfield is under the control of the Sudanese government's forces who presumably would object to an overt takeover of their role.

[trim it out]

Interesting that the RSB wasn't used. The RAF Regt in Cyprus already have a job to do so not particularly surprised they didn't go.

Edit: Just seen what looked to be members of 34 Sqn in Khartoum on the News at Ten.

[pr00ne]

I was wondering that. How can it be too busy? We are only talking at most a few handfuls of movements (A400M/C130/civil charter).

KP

Plus operational Typhoons on Shader missions with supporting Voyager tankers, USAF U-2 missions and some other recce assets.

[playford7]

Not one was British

[Sue Vêtements]

How does this work in actual practice?

Do you just turn up at the airport clutching your passport? What if you can't find it?

Do they have lists to go by?

Do they call you up and tell you to get yourself to the airport?

[Ninthace]

How does this work in actual practice?

Do you just turn up at the airport clutching your passport? What if you can't find it?

Do they have lists to go by?

Do they call you up and tell you to get yourself to the airport?

If the reports are to. be believed, the first option, as any list seems to be incomplete, calls were not being answered and folk were told to make their own way to the air base where, if they survived the trip and could furnish the paperwork necessary. to satisfy the jobsworth, they got a ride out. Anyone in the party without the paperwork, got left to fend for themselves.

[jolihokistix]

One BBC report mentioned two Brits on foot trying to escape Khartoum who almost immediately got robbed by gun-toting crazies militia on the street corner. One imagines that among other necessaries, they might well have lost their passports at that point.

[Less Hair]

A Turkish AF C-130 is claimed to have been shot at right after take-off, with one passenger injured. Could continue the flight.

[chevvron]

How many individual Hercules have been used by the RAF for the evacuations? Not bothered with Atlas, we've got plenty of those.

[Mr Mac]

It seems odd that there are 20 plus NHS doctors there one of whom was on Radio 4,this morning who has worked in Manchester for 4 years who was there visiting family who was denied a seat on a plane out.

Brits can be weird.

Cheers
Mr Mac

[OvertHawk]

It seems odd that there are 20 plus NHS doctors there one of whom was on Radio 4,this morning who has worked in Manchester for 4 years who was there visiting family who was denied a seat on a plane out.

Brits can be weird.

Cheers
Mr Mac

The flights are specified for British Citizens. The troops have been briefed only to allow British Passport holders onboard.

How many Sudanese (and other ) people do you imagine are arriving there without British passports but waving letters and documents that they hope will get them onto the aircraft?

Whilst i have sympathy for the Doctor(s) involved I also recognise the challenges of the realities.

[Video Mixdown]

The flights are specified for British Citizens. The troops have been briefed only to allow British Passport holders onboard.
How many Sudanese (and other ) people do you imagine are arriving there without British passports but waving letters and documents that they hope will get them onto the aircraft?
Whilst i have sympathy for the Doctor(s) involved I also recognise the challenges of the realities.
I have limited sympathy for them. FCO has been warning UK citizens not to travel to Sudan for months, and advising those already there to consider leaving for their own safety. Those still there bear most of the responsibility for their predicament.

[Less Hair]

u.s. Embassy khartoum retweeted (https://twitter.com/usembassykrt)
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1416025219131613188/hadtlyhy_bigger.jpg (https://twitter.com/travelgov)
travel - state dept (https://twitter.com/travelgov)

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1351937918009561089/-p55x3ib_bigger.jpg (https://twitter.com/travelgov)
@travelgov (https://twitter.com/travelgov)
possibilities for u.s. Citizens to depart khartoum: There are options to depart sudan, but you must decide the safest and best method of departure for yourself and your family. There have been reports of individuals being robbed, including of their u.s. Passports. Roads may be crowded, exposed to combat operations, or have deteriorated infrastructure. Border crossings into neighboring countries are possible, but wait times at crossing points could vary widely and change quickly. Port of sudan (south of khartoum): This is approximately a 15-hour journey from khartoum. Once in port sudan, efforts are underway to ferry individuals to jeddah, saudi arabia. If you have a lost, stolen, mutilated, or expired u.s. Passport this may be the best option to consider. We can provide emergency passport services at the u.s. Consulate in jeddah. Land borders with egypt & ethiopia: The egyptian and ethiopian governments have stated they will relax their entry requirements for u.s. Citizens to cross these land borders. You may need a valid passport to cross the land border. In addition to your u.s. Passport, you should bring the following items: -identity documents in case your u.s. Passport is lost/stolen -food/water -extra fuel if you are driving -necessary medicines and other essentials once you arrive in a safe location, please respond to the department email you received after completing the registration form to let us know, and contact the nearest u.s. Embassy or consulate if you need further assistance. More at: https://sd.usembassy.gov/security-alert/ (https://t.co/6iffo5zkff)

Fuel availability for cars must be a major issue. This is why most people don't make it to Port of Sudan. North air base access can be tricky as well.

[golfbananajam]

Various news items suggest that we now have an airfield from which to repatriate hapless Brits.

Job for the Regiment? Surely yes, but probably not being used. Again.

Anyway, good luck to all, get Home safely.


No hotels? if not, the Army will cover for you. :)

[Speedywheels]

The flights are specified for British Citizens. The troops have been briefed only to allow British Passport holders onboard.

How many Sudanese (and other ) people do you imagine are arriving there without British passports but waving letters and documents that they hope will get them onto the aircraft?

Whilst i have sympathy for the Doctor(s) involved I also recognise the challenges of the realities.

BBC News at lunchtime today managed to broadcast a completely one-sided story of the doctor’s plight, highlighting the support they provided during Covid, but decided not to give any explanation why they were being currently refused flights back to UK. They just can’t help themselves to have a dig at the current Government, whenever they deem it possible.

[Ninthace]

So now Covid is over, your passport matters? I bet the patients in intensive care didn't ask to see the doctor's passport.

[Tartiflette Fan]

It seems odd that there are 20 plus NHS doctors there one of whom was on Radio 4,this morning who has worked in Manchester for 4 years who was there visiting family who was denied a seat on a plane out.

Brits can be weird.

Cheers
Mr Mac
Mr Mac

Are you sure you have the whole story ? The doctor involved is not a British passport-holder: he has a work-permit.

Surely you can understand that:
a) British citizens get priority
b) This is not an office-situation where there can be meetings over weeks to get a consensus , and that simple, unambiguous rules are needed.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/sudanese-nhs-doctor-betrayed-being-044028207.html

So now Covid is over, your passport matters? I bet the patients in intensive care didn't ask to see the doctor's passport.

So how would you decide at the airport gate ?

[4mastacker]

So now Covid is over, your passport matters? I bet the patients in intensive care didn't ask to see the doctor's passport.

On the BBC Lunchtime News, the doctor said he has a work permit to enter the UK, not a UK passport which, as I understand, is the qualifier for getting on the evacuation flights.

Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong.

[Expatrick]

On the BBC Lunchtime News, the doctor said he has a work permit to enter the UK, not a UK passport which, as I understand, is the qualifier for getting on the evacuation flights.

Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong.

By "work permit" I imagine he is referring to a T2 visa vignette on his passport.
If so it seems odd that those checking in were not briefed as to the rights & validity of T2 visa holders - if that is the case in this instance.

[Gordon Brown]

I presume Larnaca is also more suitable for the charter aircraft being used. Of course the US may have insisted asked the UK to avoid the risk of the passengers accidentally seeing the weather balloons.:ok:

Using the RM rather the regiment is logical IMHO because:

the marines were available at Akrotiri, presumably from the same unit that performed the evacuation of diplomatic staff with 16 Air Assault and an unnamed unit based near the English/Welsh border.
II Squadron RAF Regt (having recently taken over from 51 Squadron RAF Regt) have an important job to do at Akrotiri which given its location and the ongoing operations is undoubtedly on several lists of targets.
the operation is more of 'aid to the civil power' one rather than an opposed extraction which would potentially justify flying Rocks out from the UK to defend aircraft ops.
the airfield is under the control of the Sudanese government's forces who presumably would object to an overt takeover of their role.




Thank you. Answers my earlier question nicely.

[Ninthace]

Mr Mac

Are you sure you have the whole story ? The doctor involved is not a British passport-holder: he has a work-permit.

Surely you can understand that:
a) British citizens get priority
b) This is not an office-situation where there can be meetings over weeks to get a consensus , and that simple, unambiguous rules are needed.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/sudanese-nhs-doctor-betrayed-being-044028207.html



So how would you decide at the airport gate ?
Simple. if he came out from the UK, he had permission to be there so he can go back. One of the cases where it is better to ask for forgiveness after the event rather than request permission before. Moreover, we are desperately short of doctors!

[Sue Vêtements]

If the doctor is working in the UK, is he/she paying taxes there?

[Dunhovrin]

Can someone explain why we’re using the soon to be demobbed Hercules when there are perfectly serviceable A400s sitting around Brize. Waiting for spares..
​​​​​…
…
…
Oh.

Thank you Albert. Still serving to the end.

[Ninthace]

If the doctor is working in the UK, is he/she paying taxes there?
So now they have to present a passport with the appropriate visa and a tax return!? This is Sudan, not France!

[Expatrick]

So now they have to present a passport with the appropriate visa and a tax return!? This is Sudan, not France!

What made me wonder was his use of the term "work permit" instead of visa - pretty sure that in his situation I would have stressed the word visa (ie right of entry (but not necessarily right to work)) - however I suspect that in this case those responsible for checking in were inadequately briefed.


​​​​​

[SLXOwft]

I assume (/hope) SV means the doctor has been contibuting part of his salary and paying VAT etc on his purchases to help fund the UK's armed forces.

I understand the argument that it should be UK citizens first but if there is spare capacity (which I understand there has been on some flights) the surely those with the right of abode should be able to take the spaces.

The question of close family members with no right of abode is a humanitarian question that also needs addressing.

What duty of care the UK owes the ordinary Sudanese depends on how strongly one feels Sudan is yet another state Britain granted independence to under a democratic regime without providing the support to help it thrive. (I am assuming NBCD State 1 Condition Zulu Alpha)

[Expatrick]

The question of close family members with no right of abode is a humanitarian question that also needs addressing.


I don't wish to appear callous but I don't think this is an issue (for the UK or other hosting State). If they have no right of abode then their situation is the same as all the other unfortunates caught up in this tragedy - the fact that one of their number has secured residence elsewhere is irrelevant. This issue becomes equal to the that of Sudanese refugees in general. Naturally the family member who has rights in another State has to decide whether to go or not (ie stay with their family).

[medod]

The doctor has been brought out.

Seems it's A400s making the flights now. The first RAF aircraft in was a C130, though I believe European A400s had come and gone from the airfield before that. Perhaps some passengers still aren't happy with the A400.

[kaikohe76]

To me & I accept not everyone may agree, but the vast majority of the `British` citizens shown on the TV news being evacuated from Sudan, may not in fact be British after all. Possibly, like many of those rather fit, well fed looking young chaps leaping off boats onto the South coast beaches, having just crossed the channel.

[Finningley Boy]

Can someone explain why we’re using the soon to be demobbed Hercules when there are perfectly serviceable A400s sitting around Brize. Waiting for spares..
​​​​​…
…
…
Oh.

Thank you Albert. Still serving to the end.
Same with the Tornado, Sentinel, I'd even go as far as to say Buccaneer. Still its Balance sheets what counts, not operational credibility.

FB

[Expatrick]

To me & I accept not everyone may agree, but the vast majority of the `British` citizens shown on the TV news being evacuated from Sudan, may not in fact be British after all. Possibly, like many of those rather fit, well fed looking young chaps leaping off boats onto the South coast beaches, having just crossed the channel.

Which is why, I think, that the "British passports only" rule has (allegedly) been enforced.

[langleybaston]

If, as is alleged, the UK Government were advising UK citizens not to go to, or remain in, Sudan, then those caught out deserve limited sympathy.
Only if.

[Less Hair]

France, Germany and Turkey have used their A400Ms successfully as well. Like at Kabul before.

[Ninthace]

If, as is alleged, the UK Government were advising UK citizens not to go to, or remain in, Sudan, then those caught out deserve limited sympathy.
Only if.
Easy to say. Many of those that went out there were visiting family to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. If there is space I see no reason why vulnerable family members should not be brought out as a humanitarian gesture, much as other countries bought out British passport holders along with their own nationals.

[Less Hair]

In some way UK passport holders are still better off than US citizens as the US only picked up embassy staff.

[Video Mixdown]

If, as is alleged, the UK Government were advising UK citizens not to go to, or remain in, Sudan, then those caught out deserve limited sympathy.
Only if.
Anyone travelling abroad without reading FCO Travel Advice for their destination is being a fool to themselves. Even common tourist destinations sometimes have quirks worth knowing about, and some places are very dangerous. That has included Sudan for a long time.

[Tartiflette Fan]

Easy to say. Many of those that went out there were visiting family to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. If there is space I see no reason why vulnerable family members should not be brought out as a humanitarian gesture, much as other countries bought out British passport holders along with their own nationals.

There is absolutely no equivalence and i really cannot understand why you have sought to bring the two together. In the latter case, the "refugees" will immediately transit to the country where they have legal residence and it will be a quid pro quo gesture between similar European countries which often do such things. The first case is simply choosing a few Sudanese citizens out of millions, none of whom have no right of abode.

[Ninthace]

I think you will find they do not want the right of abode, they want to be removed from a war zone and from the conversations I have seen also want to transit to a third country. This can be achieved from Cyprus.

[Asturias56]

"Anyone travelling abroad without reading FCO Travel Advice for their destination is being a fool to themselves."

Trouble is its often complete CMA by someone in London and bears little resemblance to what are the actual issues on the ground. Personally I've never believed the FO would be any use at all in the various interesting places I've been. If you think you might have to get out quick either don't go or make sure you have a plan.

[Ninthace]

A lot of FCO advice has the same level of usefulness as motorway matrix displays,

[Video Mixdown]

"Anyone travelling abroad without reading FCO Travel Advice for their destination is being a fool to themselves."
Trouble is its often complete CMA by someone in London and bears little resemblance to what are the actual issues on the ground. Personally I've never believed the FO would be any use at all in the various interesting places I've been. If you think you might have to get out quick either don't go or make sure you have a plan.
It is precisely because people like you diregarded FCO advice that they are now having to be evacuated by the military at great expense and with some danger to the personnel involved.

[Tartiflette Fan]

I think you will find they do not want the right of abode, they want to be removed from a war zone and from the conversations I have seen also want to transit to a third country. This can be achieved from Cyprus.

What they want and what is possible may have absolutely no possibility/connection with reality. Please try to stick to reality. I have often read reports in papers of adolescents accused of serious offences saying that they "wanted to be first-division footballers " with no proof / link to realisation beyond a lawyer's unsupported words.

[pr00ne]

BBC News at lunchtime today managed to broadcast a completely one-sided story of the doctor’s plight, highlighting the support they provided during Covid, but decided not to give any explanation why they were being currently refused flights back to UK. They just can’t help themselves to have a dig at the current Government, whenever they deem it possible.

What a strange and prejudiced view of a BBC run by Tories and constantly leaning over backwards, on the likes of Question Time, to be as lenient and forgiving as possible to this bunch of incompetent self serving bar stewards.

[Ninthace]

What they want and what is possible may have absolutely no possibility/connection with reality. Please try to stick to reality. I have often read reports in papers of adolescents accused of serious offences saying that they "wanted to be first-division footballers " with no proof / link to realisation beyond a lawyer's unsupported words.
I am not talking about young adolescents but elderly relatives of British passport holders who wanted to get to relatives in Egypt, A perilous overland journey that could be obviated by a plane ride. If there is space, no-one is being disadvantaged. It is the humanitarian thing to do.

[Asturias56]

"It is precisely because people like you disregard FCO advice that they are now having to be evacuated by the military at great expense and with some danger to the personnel involved."

The FCO have half the world as a dangerous place - that may be true in general - but people still have to go to these places. If I go I don't expect the UK Govt to come and save me. I have had enough experience of the FO and embassy staff overseas to know they'll be gone and anyone else will be left.

[Krystal n chips]

It is precisely because people like you diregarded FCO advice that they are now having to be evacuated by the military at great expense and with some danger to the personnel involved.

With your humanitarian instincts pouring forth, combined with a resolute support of officialdom "always knowing best "...clearly, you could have risen to the highest level in the FCO...albeit you are not alone on here in this respect.

This report offers a slightly different, and probably far more realistic, account of the dangers faced by those attempting to leave....
NHS medics and UK nationals faced risky route to Sudan evacuation point | Sudan | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/29/perilous-journey-for-uk-nationals-and-nhs-medics-seeking-sudan-escape)

[HUTCHP]

Can someone explain why we’re using the soon to be demobbed Hercules when there are perfectly serviceable A400s sitting around Brize. Waiting for spares..
​​​​​…
…
…
Oh.

Thank you Albert. Still serving to the end.
Actually RAF A400 was on the ground in Sudan on the first night ( with 1x C-130) They have been flying multiple sorties to evacuate people every day since. Heard one A400 report 219 EP's on board which is quite something.

Hutch

[Video Mixdown]

With your humanitarian instincts pouring forth, combined with a resolute support of officialdom "always knowing best "...clearly, you could have risen to the highest level in the FCO...albeit you are not alone on here in this respect.
This report offers a slightly different, and probably far more realistic, account of the dangers faced by those attempting to leave....
NHS medics and UK nationals faced risky route to Sudan evacuation point | Sudan | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/29/perilous-journey-for-uk-nationals-and-nhs-medics-seeking-sudan-escape)
It is not 'officialdom' in any sense - it is advice that people are free to ignore, as indeed these people have.

[Speedywheels]

What a strange and prejudiced view of a BBC run by Tories and constantly leaning over backwards, on the likes of Question Time, to be as lenient and forgiving as possible to this bunch of incompetent self serving bar stewards.

https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/trackers/is-the-bbc-more-favourable-towards-labour-the-left-or-the-conservatives-the-right

[pr00ne]

https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/trackers/is-the-bbc-more-favourable-towards-labour-the-left-or-the-conservatives-the-right

Irrelevant!

Have you ever watched Question Time? Or a Chris Mason or Laura Kunnesburg interview of a Tory Minister?
Or looked at the BBC board and it’s open support of the Tory party in terms of background, party donations or loans arranged?

[Speedywheels]

Irrelevant!

Have you ever watched Question Time? Or a Chris Mason or Laura Kunnesburg interview of a Tory Minister?
Or looked at the BBC board and it’s open support of the Tory party in terms of background, party donations or loans arranged?

Thanks for your time, I’ve really enjoyed the conversation 🥱

[pr00ne]

Thanks for your time, I’ve really enjoyed the conversation 🥱

Try watching BBC, you may educate yourself!

[ZH875]

Can someone explain why we’re using the soon to be demobbed Hercules when there are perfectly serviceable A400s sitting around Brize. Waiting for spares..
​​​​​…
…
…
Oh.

Thank you Albert. Still serving to the end.

What spares are needed for a perfectly serviceable A400. If its perfectly serviceable it doesn't need spares.

[m0nkfish]

With your humanitarian instincts pouring forth, combined with a resolute support of officialdom "always knowing best "...clearly, you could have risen to the highest level in the FCO...albeit you are not alone on here in this respect.

This report offers a slightly different, and probably far more realistic, account of the dangers faced by those attempting to leave....
NHS medics and UK nationals faced risky route to Sudan evacuation point | Sudan | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/29/perilous-journey-for-uk-nationals-and-nhs-medics-seeking-sudan-escape)

Seems to me pretty typical woke reporting, similar to what we have had to endure from the BBC. Anyone watching/reading could be forgiven for thinking there were British Nationals and NHS doctors only whereas I’m sure there are other foreign nationals with work permits who are unfortunate in that they don’t work for the NHS and so won’t be benefiting from the virtue signalling of our media.

I would like to think that if it was me and my country was coming apart at the seams with people being injured and killed by shrapnel, and I was a trained medical professional, I would be making my way to a local hospital to try to help out. Let’s hope the returning doctors are coming back to go to work and not go on strike!

[Asturias56]

well so far they' haven't sent a plane to rescue people's dogs..................

[Ninthace]

well so far they' haven't sent a plane to rescue people's dogs..................
“They” didn’t send one last time either.

[Gordomac]

Harrowing events. Reminds me of the time my Dad was evac'd outa Tehran in '79 in a Herc to, I think, Brize or Stansted. Leaving the Iranian Border, Skipper said on the PA; "If you want to reset your watches to UK, wind them back two hours. If you wish to stay on Iran time, wind them back 200 years."- Gentle relieved smiles all round, apparently .=

[renfrew]

One pic of a rescue flight did have several dog boxes in the cabin.
May have been German or Spanish.

[nomilk]

Germany and French evacuated 30+ other nationalities. The British position to evacuate only British nationals seems pretty unique.

[Bergerie1]

All I would say to all you armchair critics is, have you ever taken part in any evacuation flights or tried to organise any of them? It is not easy and usually chaotic. There are far too many unkowns that have to be dealt with.

[Sue Vêtements]

well so far they' haven't sent a plane to rescue people's dogs..................

. . . though it would be the mark of a decent civilization if they did



What made me wonder was his use of the term "work permit" instead of visa - pretty sure that in his situation I would have stressed the word visa (ie right of entry (but not necessarily right to work)) - however I suspect that in this case those responsible for checking in were inadequately briefed.​​​​​

Good point, but ironically I used the term "work permit" because when I moved to the US, that's the language used. I never thought of using the term "visa" because when I grew up in the UK, I didn't need one

A bit when you need a haircut in a small town with two barbers. Do you go to the one with the hacked around hairstyle, or the one with the smooth and flowing locks?




All I would say to all you armchair critics is, have you ever taken part in any evacuation flights or tried to organise any of them? It is not easy and usually chaotic. There are far too many unknowns that have to be dealt with.

That I don't doubt for a second

[Geriaviator]

If I recall correctly there was a report of runway deterioration. The Wiki entry includes a photograph of locally recruited spray crews applying bitumen or tar binder over what appears a stone and rolled surface. This technique is used for simple lightly trafficked roads but would hardly suit runways. The Hercs should manage fine over the resulting loose stones, not so sure about the A400, while there are many videos of jets removing a runway's top surface.

[A4scooter]

11426535]The Indonesian Air Force is evacuating its citizens from Khartoum. Saw a press pic of a 737 on the ramp.

That's a long journey.
The 737 unlike the RAF A321 operated by Titan Airways are quite self sufficient, they don’t need external steps or loading equipment etc & as the A321 are flown by civilians they wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near Sudan.
If the 737 is operated by the Indonesian AF, it would get to Sudan a lot quicker than a C130.

[Asturias56]

The TNI-AU have 6 but I think they're all notionally VIP 737's

[Tartiflette Fan]

Germany and French evacuated 30+ other nationalities. The British position to evacuate only British nationals seems pretty unique.

Question of numbers i would guess. Germany evacuated 780 total, France 936 and Britain 2 122

[Less Hair]

Not pointing at anybody but there must be a lot of people left who would like to get out but can't? Even people living there for longer said they were surprised by the sudden and fast escalation.

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

Surely something is either unique or it is not? What does 'pretty unique' mean?

[langleybaston]

Surely something is either unique or it is not? What does 'pretty unique' mean?

Well said sir ......... comparable to pregnancy: you is or you aint!

[langleybaston]

Not pointing at anybody but there must be a lot of people left who would like to get out but can't? Even people living there for longer said they were surprised by the sudden and fast escalation.

As for Sudan, it rather looks as if our lads and lasses in uniform have done very well, in contrast to the FO.
The Beeb has "The HMS ........." to add to its sins of course.

[ORAC]

https://twitter.com/airbornesappers/status/1653094046288470023?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A


A team deployed to Sudan to conduct urgent airfield damage repair as part of the UK Joint Task Force.

The airfield was being used to evacuate Entitled People by multiple nations. This is the first time Airfield Damage Repair has conducted on Operations since the Falklands War.

The airfield being used by multiple nations to evacuate entitled people was in a poor state of repair, further exacerbated by the high tempo of heavy, multinational military transport aircraft The work enabled the continued evacuation of UK and other nations’ entitled people.

The team deployed as part of the @16AirAssltBCT Air Manoeuvre Task alongside @RoyalMarines under @UKJFHQ and supported by personnel from @24CdoRE and support from 11 Group @RoyalAirForce and 529 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Air Support) @Proud_Sappers.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x684/image_b6ae13c8ff715c4fdf33d594ad717dfe91fe495b.jpeg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1440x1079/image_13f611c50bb2b4f10e236e057e5c8777ea225f46.jpeg
​​​​​​​

[Geriaviator]

As I feared, runway looks like a lightly bound/sprayed surface on probably shallow foundation. Fine for its intended purpose, not for 100t pounding. The lads are doing their usual grand job, maybe we could transfer them to UK road potholes when they get back?

[langleybaston]

As I feared, runway looks like a lightly bound/sprayed surface on probably shallow foundation. Fine for its intended purpose, not for 100t pounding. The lads are doing their usual grand job, maybe we could transfer them to UK road potholes when they get back?

Probably some lasses as well.

Thinks ................... do we deserve our armed forces? I fear we are becoming a third rate country with first class young service folk. When Sudan kicked off, allegedly the ambassador, his 2 i/c and Head of security were in UK, and only 4 / 10 FO staff were at desks [as opposed to WFH]. Sudan was exactly the type of situation where teamwork and togetherness and networking produces the best results ...... Zoom and emails do not cut it.

[ORAC]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/last-uk-rescue-flight-from-sudan-to-take-off-on-wednesday

Last UK rescue flight from Sudan to take off on Wednesday

The final UK rescue flight from Sudan (https://www.theguardian.com/world/sudan) is expected to take off on Wednesday, the government has said.

The foreign secretary, James Cleverly (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/james-cleverly), said British nationals who wanted to leave the country need to make their way to the Coral hotel in Port Sudan by 10am local time (9am BST), adding that there would be no further British evacuation flights from the city.…

So far, 2,341 people have been evacuated on 28 flights, according to the government, which described its evacuations as “the longest and largest operation of any western nation”.

Downing Street said 1,195 were British nationals, with other nationalities, including Sudanese dependants of British nationals, also helped to leave….

In updated guidance on its website on Tuesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said:

“The UK government will run final evacuation flights from Port Sudan on 3 May. If you plan to leave Sudan, you should arrive at the Coral hotel in Port Sudan by 10am on 3 May to be processed to travel.

“After that, no further British evacuation flights will operate from Port Sudan.”….

Earlier, the foreign secretary said a British military presence remained at the country’s main seaport on the Red Sea coast as the situation remained dangerous.

As well as officials and military personnel in Port Sudan, the warship HMS Lancaster is off the coast to support Britons….

[Finningley Boy]

Reading ORAC's post and given that this particular snippet is in the Guardian, which means it is difficult to scorn, one wonders whether the original and typical attack on the government response was justified, or did the government pull its socks up following the criticism?

FB

[Rheinstorff]

I presume Larnaca is also more suitable for the charter aircraft being used. Of course the US may have insisted asked the UK to avoid the risk of the passengers accidentally seeing the weather balloons.:ok:

Using the RM rather the regiment is logical IMHO because:

the marines were available at Akrotiri, presumably from the same unit that performed the evacuation of diplomatic staff with 16 Air Assault and an unnamed unit based near the English/Welsh border.
II Squadron RAF Regt (having recently taken over from 51 Squadron RAF Regt) have an important job to do at Akrotiri which given its location and the ongoing operations is undoubtedly on several lists of targets.
the operation is more of 'aid to the civil power' one rather than an opposed extraction which would potentially justify flying Rocks out from the UK to defend aircraft ops.
the airfield is under the control of the Sudanese government's forces who presumably would object to an overt takeover of their role.




And yet....
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fu4a18iWYAIittG?format=jpg&name=large

[Tocsin]

And yet....

I like it - partly for the 'neither up nor down' sleeves :E - seems consistent for both Gunner and Bootie?

[Rheinstorff]

and that banter turned into pure hatred and bile by some very ill informed people. I don't remember any of our casualties being killed or wounded on camp, except in the Bastion attack and Basra rocketing, in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army/Tongans sat in the towers at Bastion.
Back on track, the RAF Regt don't have a Battalion/Commando sized unit sat on standby for this sort of thing. We have troops on the AMPTs and TACPs, but that isn't newsworthy.

The Regiment does also have FP Wing HQs and squadrons on sufficiently high readiness (the exact detail isn't for a public forum) to make them usable. Regiment were deployed.

[langleybaston]

[QUOTE=Rheinstorff;11430126]The Regiment does also have FP Wing HQs and squadrons on sufficiently high readiness (the exact detail isn't for a public forum) to make them usable. Regiment were deployed.[/QU

Thank you. By chance, the engineer who serviced our alarm a couple of days ago is ex-Regiment, noticed family photos and gave me his life story!

Only injury cut his "best days of my life" short. He was grumpy about Paras and RM getting all the limelight in recent years "doing our job for us".

[mahogany bob]

The Regiment will always have a job - stuffing aircrew in the chamber and giving them ‘a little extra ‘ CS gas !
( if this still happens? )

[langleybaston]

The Regiment will always have a job - stuffing aircrew in the chamber and giving them ‘a little extra ‘ CS gas !
( if this still happens? )

Not only aircrew: you only need a pulse. 25 years since the last, and its just like yesterday. Oh Joy!

[Tartiflette Fan]

The view from a D Telegraph reporter.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/03/why-are-we-ignoring-the-humanitarian-crisis-at-home/

"Sorry, but I am puzzled by the huge fuss over evacuating British nationals from Sudan. As usual, much of our media class seized the opportunity to bash the Government for inefficiency and callousness.I thought the response was pretty prompt under the dire circumstances, although aggrieved reporters seemed to think people could magically be teleported from the chaotic carnage in Khartoum (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sudan/). I didn’t hear anyone ask: “Why is Britain obliged to offer a free rescue service to 4,000 people with dual passports who travelled to a war zone against official recommendations?”

In fact, UK Government advice is clear. Dual nationals in the country of their other nationality are not entitled to assistance. The vast majority of those being rescued are, to all intents and purposes, Sudanese.

Some gratitude to the British taxpayer who is footing the (presumably vast) bill would be welcome. I was intrigued to learn that the UK is remarkably generous with dual nationality which many other countries simply do not allow. Germany asks people with two passports to decide by the age of 18 which country they wish to be citizens of. Sounds sensible.

But this isn’t really about Sudan. What I want to know is, why is it possible for the British Government to mount a rapid response to a humanitarian crisis in a foreign country (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/04/25/sudan-crisis-britain-sends-warship-uk-evacuation/), while ignoring a humanitarian crisis in our own backyard?

Maybe if we put all the thousands of patients who are waiting a disgracefully long time for cancer care (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/02/09/delays-cancer-patients-needing-urgent-treatment-worst-record/), people whose cancer operations have been postponed (striking doctors and nurses, take a bow!) or people who now have untreatable Stage 4 cancer (because it wasn’t picked up early enough) in apartment blocks and strafed them with gunfire then, perhaps, they might receive the urgent help the Government was able to whistle up for Sudan.

Am I the only one watching the 24/7 coverage of Khartoum, who thinks, where on earth are our priorities?"

Personally this brings to mind a declaration from the German government some years ago, that they were going to no longer go to extreme efforts to rescue German tourists who went on jeep-safaris into Morocco or Algeria and were taken hostage by terrorists, and this after numerous warnings about the danger. It's not exactly the same, but many similar elements.

[bugged on the right]

Absolutely right Tarts. People go to a lot of effort to escape oppressive regimes and gain asylum in safe countries or just emigrate to them. Having gained a passport in the safe country the first thing a lot of them do is return to the place they left. I suspect there is a boasting attitude involved. They know full well that they will be removed when it goes bad despite being advised not to return. As for the disaster on our doorstep I despair. The way we treat veterans with problems is abominable, the NHS is crying poor but is employing diversity parasites and the pensioners in dire straits is an issue we should be ashamed of. There is a hundred year old in my town who hasn't had heating for three months. What a mess.

[Ninthace]

Lazy journalism pandering the the DT xenophobic/racist readership.

There is an implicit assumption that all 4000 British passport holders were dual nationals, with an underlying assumption that they were all primarily first generation Sudanese without any evidence being offered to support this view The second assumption, why does someone having the passport of a second country absolve the UK of its responsibilities when asked for help and assistance? Otherwise what is the point of the time and expense of getting dual citizenship if it is of no value? It is not granted on a whim. Finally, there is no mention of where any of these 4000 individuals were primarily resident. Many were visiting family to celebrate a major religious festival.
Could it have been foreseen and should they have travelled? Well, given absence of the ambassador, his 2 i/c and sundry others from the country al at the same time, one concludes either it was not or that they do not read their own advice.

[bugged on the right]

Diplomatic staff have diplomatic immunity and are treated differently. There were warnings given by the Foreign Office well in advance. There is a rule about dual citizenship which says that British representatives will not assist dual nationals in the country of the dual nationality. These people were bloody lucky. Once again British servicemen were put at risk for a large number of undeserving.

[langleybaston]

Lazy journalism pandering the the DT xenophobic/racist readership.


Could it have been foreseen and should they have travelled? Well, given absence of the ambassador, his 2 i/c and sundry others from the country al at the same time, one concludes either it was not or that they do not read their own advice.

On the contrary ......... an unkind and probably unfair view would be that they appear to have taken their own advice, and made themselves scarce, followed soon afterwards by the remainder of their staff, leaving our armed forces to tidy up.

Regardless of any good reasons for the above, it was, yet again, not a good look..

Difficult to know which one of the Home Office or the Foreign Office is more disfunctional.

[Ninthace]

Diplomatic staff have diplomatic immunity and are treated differently. There were warnings given by the Foreign Office well in advance. There is a rule about dual citizenship which says that British representatives will not assist dual nationals in the country of the dual nationality. These people were bloody lucky. Once again British servicemen were put at risk for a large number of undeserving.
Undeserving? You know their personal circumstances? Not your call I suggest.

[Tartiflette Fan]

There is an implicit assumption that all 4000 British passport holders were dual nationals,.

I don't see that. In an earlier article the journalist stated that 1 100 of the evacuees were sole British passport holders, so 70% dual-nationals.


with an underlying assumption that they were all primarily first generation Sudanese without any evidence being offered to support this view The second assumption, why does someone having the passport of a second country absolve the UK of its responsibilities when asked for help and assistance?

Since it is clearly stated in F.O. guidelines/regulations that they won't benefit from support, that clearly absolves the UK of their responsibility.


Otherwise what is the point of the time and expense of getting dual citizenship if it is of no value? It is not granted on a whim. .

I would guess in most cases that it is to establish and guarantee residence It is not granted on a whim, but it is automatic if you fulfil the conditions.

Finally, there is no mention of where any of these 4000 individuals were primarily resident. Many were visiting family to celebrate a major religious festival..

Who would know ? Earlier you criticised the journalist for making assumptions, and now you do the same for not making them..Hard to please...
Many were visiting family to celebrate a major religious festival..


..and the relevance is ......?

Could it have been foreseen and should they have travelled? Well, given absence of the ambassador, his 2 i/c and sundry others from the country al at the same time, one concludes either it was not or that they do not read their own advice.

I don't know if it happens (I doubt it ) but all evacuees should have been charged something for the assistance they received.`Thinking back that won't happen as no holidaymakers were charged when there was that major air-lift a few years back following the Thomas Cook failure..

EDIT: Out of interest I looked at reactions to the evacuation in some other countries.

Switzerland There was public criticism but the Swiss F.O. said it is general policy that Swiss overseas travel on their own responsibility. Dual-nationals had problems being allowed admittance to the air-strip. They left on with French and German flights
Germany: All citizens had to make their own way to the air-strip.
Saudi Arabia: I hadn't read anything about this, but it seems the Saudis evacuated more than any other nation - 5 409 - by ship.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/gulf-news/2023/05/03/dutch-ambassador-to-saudi-arabia-lauds-kingdoms-sudan-evacuation-efforts/

[melmothtw]

Germany asks people with two passports to decide by the age of 18 which country they wish to be citizens of. Sounds sensible.

Not actually true though. Germany recently relaxed its rules to allow dual citizenship with an EU country, and relaxed them further to allow dual German-UK citizenship.

[Sue Vêtements]

Diplomatic staff have diplomatic immunity and are treated differently. There were warnings given by the Foreign Office well in advance. There is a rule about dual citizenship which says that British representatives will not assist dual nationals in the country of the dual nationality. These people were bloody lucky. Once again British servicemen were put at risk for a large number of undeserving.

You might check the definition of "assist"

If you were say a UK subject (or are we citizens now?) and went to the US and got in some fairly heavy legal trouble there I think you would be able to call on the British Embassy for assistance, but if you were also a US citizen then they would politely decline

I'm not certain that limitation would also apply to evacuations

[pr00ne]

You might check the definition of "assist"

If you were say a UK subject (or are we citizens now?) and went to the US and got in some fairly heavy legal trouble there I think you would be able to call on the British Embassy for assistance, but if you were also a US citizen then they would politely decline

I'm not certain that limitation would also apply to evacuations

Not been subjects since 1983.

[SASless]

Not been subjects since 1983.​​​​​​​

Debate that with your Inland Revenue folks sometime and see how it goes?

[Ninthace]

Debate that with your Inland Revenue folks sometime and see how it goes?
The Inland Revenue ceased to exist in 2005!

[SASless]

In name only......the Tax Man still covets your Goat!

[Ninthace]

HMRC wants my groats, I don't have any goats, :=

[Tartiflette Fan]

In name only......the Tax Man still covets your Goat!

Maybe not only in UK, ..........

when I lived in Switzerland, I was amused when I had to fill out my first Wealth Declaration as part of the tax form* and they asked how many head of cattle/goats/sheep I owned. I don't remember if these beasts also had to be valued.

* Every canton in Switzerland has its own unique tax-system, so I don't know how widespread this would have been,. That also reminds me of the pleasures of tax-form completion : seven times per year ( four x communal , two x cantonal and one x federal ) !!!

EDIT: Sorry, I have just noticed this is nothing to do with the original thread. I simply read the latest post(s) and followed on from them.

[Lonewolf_50]

Whilst this is not explicitly about the airlift, Alex De Waal recently wrote an article called The Revolution No One Wanted (https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f8c0a96b0d69789aJmltdHM9MTY4MzY3NjgwMCZpZ3VpZD0zMDAyMTI1YS 1hNzgwLTZmODYtMTQ5Mi0wMTU3YTZhYzZlM2EmaW5zaWQ9NTE4NA&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=3002125a-a780-6f86-1492-0157a6ac6e3a&psq=The+Revolution+No+One+Wanted+Alex+de+Waal+lrb&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubHJiLmNvLnVrL3RoZS1wYXBlci92NDUvbjEwL2Fs ZXgtZGUtd2FhbC90aGUtcmV2b2x1dGlvbi1uby1vbmUtd2FudGVk&ntb=1) that I found to be a worthy read regarding the political upheaval that has necessitated this evacuation operation.
NEOs can be a ticklish operation to pull off well. I tip my cap to the crews who have done their level best to get folks out of this very difficult situation.

[Lonewolf_50]

Why Sudan Matters to their neighbor: Egypt.

The linked article (https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/01/sudan-conflict-egypt-rsf-saf-diplomacy-negotiations-ceasefire/) has a good summary of the ripple effects of this six week long civil war spilling over into Egypt. (The flood of refugees isn't the only problem Egypt is facing). Their relationships with Ethiopia and UAE, and their Nile water resource problems, inform how they respond what's going on in Sudan. Some Salient points extracted from the linked article: (https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/01/sudan-conflict-egypt-rsf-saf-diplomacy-negotiations-ceasefire/)
JUNE 1, 2023, 7:00 AM | Mahmoud Salem

... approximately 1,000 people have died, and more than 300,000 people have fled (https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/28/africa/sudan-displaced-people-gender-violence-intl-hnk/index.html) the country, with at least 120,000 of them crossing (https://www.newarab.com/news/egypt-hosting-9-million-migrants-more-sudanese-flee) the border into Egypt, where 4 million other Sudanese nationals already reside.
As Sudan’s neighbor, Egypt will arguably be the foreign country most directly affected by the continued conflict—particularly those effects created by the impending economic and refugee crises. Though it has thus far avoided backing either military and has not been involved in ongoing cease-fire talks, Egypt now finds itself in a bind: It does not have (https://timep.org/2022/12/13/egypts-infinite-economic-crisis/) the resources or the desire to fight a war, yet it cannot afford to ignore the situation any longer.
... given the SAF’s own issues with Ethiopia (https://addisstandard.com/news-pm-abiy-ahmed-warns-parties-working-to-incite-war-between-ethiopia-sudan-refutes-reports-of-ethiopian-forces-incursion-into-sudanese-border/), Egypt sees it as a crucial political ally in its dispute (https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2023/05/24/egypt-slams-ethiopia-over-claim-gerd-dam-dispute-has-become-arab-african-conflict/) over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in the Nile River, which threatens to disrupt Egypt’s strategic water interests and delicate agricultural sector...militarily backing the SAF would put Egypt directly in conflict with the RSF—the favored militia of the United Arab Emirates... the UAE is Egypt’s last financial backer (https://www.madamasr.com/en/2023/03/09/feature/economy/distraction-offerings-whats-behind-egypts-ambitious-plan-to-sell-shares-in-state-companies/) in the Gulf. Despite their otherwise fraught relationship, Egypt needs UAE support if it wants to survive financially.
{related article} ... Sudan’s War Might Not Stay in Sudan (https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/05/01/sudan-war-chad-sahel-small-arms-car-iswap/) A power struggle in the capital, Khartoum, could destabilize neighboring Chad and impact the entire Sahel region.

Mahmoud Salem is a Berlin-based writer and analyst whose research focuses on the intersections of geopolitics, economics, and misinformation campaigns. Twitter: @sandmonkey (http://www.twitter.com/sandmonkey)
The full article is here:
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/01/sudan-conflict-egypt-rsf-saf-diplomacy-negotiations-ceasefire/
Are the suggestions on "what to do" in the article realistic? Maybe, and maybe not.

Why does all of this matter to Military Aviation?
If the current conflict goes on, some sort of multinational intervention is likely, and supporting air assets will be at a premium.
And guess where most of those will come from, eh?