We Rescue Turkish Ambassador – RSF Claims

Rapid Support Forces, RSF has claimed it rescued Turkish ambassador, Ismail Cubanoglu on Saturday from gun firing from Sudanese Armed Forces.

A statement is yet to be issued by the Sudanese Armed Forces, SAF.

The official vehicle of Türkiye’s ambassador to Sudan was hit by gunfire on Saturday, as fighting continues between the army and a paramilitary group in the country’s capital, Khartoum and its surroundings.

No casualties were reported and the source of the gunfire that hit Ismail Cubanoglu’s vehicle was unclear, as any of the fighting armies is yet to claim responsibility.

Sudan has been without a functioning government since 2021 when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s transitional government and declared a state of emergency in a move decried by political forces as a “coup.”

The transitional period, which started in August 2019 after the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, was scheduled to end with elections in early 2024.

Turkey Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday that Turkey will move its embassy in Khartoum to Port Sudan following gunfire on the Turkish ambassador’s car.

“With recommendation from the transitional government and Sudan army, we decided to move our embassy temporarily to Port Sudan for security reasons,” Cavusoglu told news reporters in southern city of Antalya.

RSF in a media on Saturday, said in quote:

“The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has opened fire on the vehicle of Turkish Ambassador to Sudan Ismail Cubanoglu.

“This most recent attack is yet another blatant violation of international norms and agreements protecting diplomatic missions by the SAF.

“Backed by members of the regime of former dictator and military officer Omar al-Bashir, the SAF continues to ignore international and humanitarian norms and laws.

“The shooting occurred despite prior coordination regarding evacuation efforts and the fact that the embassy premises are under the control of the SAF.

“Despite these attacks, the Rapid Support Forces managed to successfully evacuate the ambassador and his delegation to safety.

“We remain committed to democracy and a civilian-led government and reiterate our dedication to safeguarding diplomatic missions in compliance with the Geneva Convention and all other international agreements”.