The federal government has made an official request to
Sudanese authorities for permission to evacuate Nigerian citizens as the crisis
in the country rages on.
The government said the non-adherence to ceasefire
agreements has made it “impossible” to embark on the evacuation of trapped
Nigerians.
Francisca Omayuli, spokesperson of the foreign affairs
ministry, said on Thursday that Nigeria is “deeply concerned about the
escalation of the conflict”.
“The non-adherence of the warring parties to numerous
international calls for a ceasefire has worsened the plight of civilians and
made it impossible to embark on their evacuation. Nigeria, therefore, wishes to
reiterate the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire,” she said.
“In the meantime, the
ministry of foreign affairs is in contact with the Sudanese authorities and
has, through the Nigerian embassy in Khartoum, made an official request for
permission to evacuate Nigerian students and other members of the Nigerian community
who may wish to depart the country.”
The ministry added that the Nigerian embassy has created
WhatsApp and Telegram platforms for the purpose of “proper coordination and
regular updates”.
The Nigerians in the country were also advised to remain
indoors.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora
Commission, had earlier assured of a plan in place to rescue stranded Nigerians
in the country.
DEATH TOLL HITS 330
Several global bodies have condemned the war in Sudan as no
fewer than 330 people have been killed with at least 3,200 injured.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health
Organisation (WHO), expressed deep concern over the situation and described the
crisis as heartbreaking.
“The lack of safe
access, of electricity, food, water, personnel and the diminishing medical
supplies are making it nearly impossible for many health facilities to function
at the exact time when there are thousands injured in need of urgent care,” he
said.
Ghebreyesus urged Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) — the two groups involved in the violent power struggle — to respect the
truce so that people can seek refuge or healthcare, or access food, water and
medicine.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the violence
could push millions into hunger in a country that has previously struggled with
famine and drought.
The United Nations (UN) agency said its staff, offices,
vehicles, equipment and food stocks have also come in the direct line of fire,
leading to the death of three of its officials on Saturday.
The agency said one of its aircraft in Khartoum had been
damaged beyond repair, and at least 10 vehicles and six food trucks had been
stolen.
Additionally, WFP guesthouses, offices and warehouses in
Nyala, South Darfur had been overrun and looted, resulting in the loss of up to
4,000 metric tonnes of food.
Ceasefire agreements had been reached but Sudan’s army and
the RSF violated the truce within hours of its launch.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com