Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said that as of yesterday (May 1) no Jamaican nationals were identified in the Sudan conflict that has since seen hundreds being killed and thousands fleeing in droves.

Fighting erupted on April 15 between the army and a rival paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces.

Their power struggle has put millions of Sudanese in the line of gun battles, artillery bombardments and airstrikes.

“The Jamaican honorary consul in Kenya, located in the region, has made exhaustive checks with the immigration personnel and her contacts in Sudan. Similarly, the honorary consul in Ethiopia made thorough enquiries with authorities and his Sudanese contacts as well. Both have advised that all reports indicate that no Jamaicans have been caught in the crisis, nor have any been identified crossing borders,” said Johnson Smith. 

More than 500 killed

As of a week ago, the Sudanese Health Ministry had counted at least 530 people killed, including civilians and combatants, with another 4,500 wounded, but those figures haven’t been updated since.

Johnson Smith said that the Government is willing and ready to assist any Jamaican who need assistance to find safe grounds.

The foreign minister also appealed to people who know of any Jamaican relative or friend currently in Sudan to contact the ministry at (+1)876-676-4028 or (+1)867-926-4220 or email [email protected]