European nations are rushing to get their citizens out of Sudan amid escalating violence between the military and a paramilitary group.

Spain's foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Friday that his government is ready to evacuate Spanish people and those with other nationalities.

He said military aircraft have been deployed to carry 60 Spanish nationals and 20 other people from Europe and Latin America.

Albares added that Spain is calling for a ceasefire so that the evacuation can take place safely.

Reports in France say at least three French air force planes are on standby in Djibouti after being dispatched on Wednesday.

France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that hundreds of French nationals are still in Sudan. They are being urged to stay in communication with the French embassy and refrain from going out.

The Netherlands has sent transport aircraft and a medical unit to Jordan to prepare for the evacuation of Dutch nationals.

But Dutch government officials also say they are unsure if an evacuation is possible because of the unstable situation on the ground.