KEY POINTS

  • At least 100,000 Sudanese people left the country since the war erupted
  • Thousands of refugees were displaced internally, leading to a shortage in food supplies
  • The UAE's third evacuation plane from Sudan arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday

The UAE has sent aid to Sudan as its third evacuation plane from the conflict-ridden country arrived in Abu Dhabi. UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Nahyan ordered early Tuesday morning to send humanitarian aid through the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and the Emirates Red Crescent Authority.

The plane arrived at Abeche Airport on the border of Sudan and Chad on Tuesday, carrying food supplies and other basic needs. With the help of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the ration parcels were brought to the people affected by the war. The parcels were also delivered to the thousands of refugees displaced amid the crisis, leading to a shortage of basic food supplies.

The distribution of supplies was in line with the UAE's pledge to alleviate the suffering of the displaced Sudanese nationals on the Chadian border and urgently respond to their need for food supplies. It also reflects the country's leadership's keenness on providing international relief efforts and stand by other countries in times of need.

Earlier this week, a third evacuation plane from Sudan landed in Abu Dhabi, carrying 126 Emiratis and other nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) announced the arrival of the plane on Tuesday, saying the country will host the refugees until they are flown back to their home countries.

"The UAE continues the process of prioritizing the evacuation of the most vulnerable, including the sick, children, the elderly and women, with the operation in line with the UAE's commitment to humanitarian assistance and strengthening global cooperation and solidarity," said the Ministry in a statement.

"The UAE will host and provide them with all necessary support and assistance prior to their safe transfer to their home countries," the Ministry added.

The war continues in Sudan amid the power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces. On Monday, the UN refugee agency said more than 800,000 people could still flee the country as a result of the violence that erupted on April 15. Approximately 100,000 Sudanese people have left the country since then.

Civilians wait at sea port to be evacuated from Sudan to escape the conflicts, in Port Sudan
Reuters