Sudan Crisis Update: FG Will Evacuate All Stranded Nigerians- Situation Room Report.
By Caroline Ameh.
The Federal government of Nigeria has assured the public that, the evacuation of Nigerians in war torn Sudan is progressing and will continue until all stranded Nigerians are brought back home safely.
In a joint Press Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) and signed by Ambassador Janet Olisa, OON, Director Overseeing the Office of Permanent Secretary MFA and Dr.Nasir Sani Gwazo, Permanent Secretary FMHADMSD on Thursday, 27th April, 2023 made available to Diplomatic Digest online gave detailed efforts of the government on the evacuation exercise.
According to the statement, both Ministries have convened a Situation Room on the evacuation of Nigeria nationals from Sudan under the chairmanship of Permanent Secretary FMHADMSD, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwazo that meets daily. “Members of the Situation Room include Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Office of the Chief of Staff, National intelligence Agency (NIA), and Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Other Members include the various Nigerian Foreign Missions relevant to the evacuation exercise” the statement added.
On the viral video of Nigerians stranded in the desert on account of bus drivers stopping due to non-payment, the Situation Room report said has been resolved. ” The Nigerian Air Force, Air Peace Airlines have received clearance to fly to Egypt. The NAF C-130H is scheduled to leave Abuja tomorrow, 28th April, 2023 to commence airlifting of the evacuees. Similarly, arrangements are being concluded to airlift all Nigerians that have already escaped on their own to safety in other countries neighbouring Sudan”.
Many Nigerians have expressed deep concerns for the more than 5,000 Nigerians trapped in Sudan since fighting broke out in the poor African country about ten days ago.
