Cochrane resident continues to await word of evacuation plan

Cochrane resident Tim Sanborn remains isolated in his hotel in Khartoum, Sudan, waiting for some encouraging news from the Canadian government,

As of yet, none has come.

"They sent me an email this morning at 9:30 a.m. and repeated their statement that they cannot perform evacuations at this time and are planning with like-minded countries," said Sanborn this morning. "Not exactly confidence inspiring."

He says there are three other Canadians in his hotel and they haven't heard any different.

Meanwhile, the violence continues to escalate nearby. The pounding of artillery is constant and he has a bird's eye view of the military struggle mere blocks away.

So far, he says the hotel has been spared.

Most of the others in his hotel are American, and Sanborn says they have been told that help is on the way, or at least being planned.

Canada's foreign affairs and national defence minister issued a joint statement yesterday on the volatile situation in Sudan.

 “We are actively monitoring the situation in Sudan and working with neighbouring countries, as well as with like-minded governments and the international community to coordinate the response to this crisis," state foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly and defence minister Anita Anand.

They state the outbreak of violence in the African nation is deteriorating rapidly, and that Canada continues to call for an end to violence and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace.

“In response to recent developments, Canada has deployed members of Global Affairs Canada's Standing Rapid Deployment Team (SRDT) to Djibouti to enhance our ability to support and to further assess the needs on the ground."

“The Embassy of Canada to Sudan in Khartoum has temporarily suspended in-person operations. Consular services remain available to Canadians in Sudan; however, due to the ongoing security situation, these could be limited. Officials in Ottawa are also in regular contact with the Canadians affected, providing them with information and advice as the situation develops. Further, officials at our missions in nearby countries also stand ready to support as needed."

Cochrane resident Tim Sanborn was just two days away from flying home when the power struggle broke out on Apr. 15 outside his hotel, just a kilometre from the Khartoum International Airport. He endured that in isolation for five days before being moved to a safer location but remains in harm's way.