The exercise was conducted through partnership between the Rwandan government, the embassy in Cairo, and the embassy in Khartoum.The group of 42 people arrived safely in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, aboard a chartered RwandAir flight from the city of Aswan in Egypt, it said.

It added that 10 other Rwandan nationals had returned home, while others were on their way to Rwanda with the support of friendly countries and international organisations. The citizens flown to Kigali include five Syrians, one Burundian, one Kenyan, two Ugandans, one Nigerian, and 32 Rwandans.

According the permanent secretary Mukeka, two Rwandans preferred to stay in Khartoum for personal reasons, but they will receive support where necessary.

The fighting in Sudan has reportedly killed over 500 people and left over 4,000 others wounded.