The Federal Government says it will not be able to evacuate Nigerians trapped in Sudan due to the risks involved in flight operations in the country.
Two rival generals in Sudan have engaged their troops in a battle over the last few days and no party seems willing to surrender.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army have been in a battle, refusing calls for a ceasefire.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 400 people have been killed and over 3,500 others hurt.
Amidst increasing tension, Nigerian students in Sudan have been calling for help. They want to be evacuated so they can come home safely.
About 10,000 Nigerian students are reportedly studying in the country, and thousands of other Nigerians work there.
However, the Federal Government has revealed the reason it would not be able to evacuate Nigerians.
The Reason
The Federal Government says it is constrained because of the risks involved in flight operations in Sudan.
The Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in a statement.
According to her, the Commission is collaborating with the Nigerian Mission in Sudan and the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA).
They are making arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerians trapped in the country.
However, she notes that it is risky for any flight to operate whilst the war is ongoing.
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Dabiri-Erewa says that aircraft parked at the airport in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, were burnt on Thursday morning.
“Nigerian Mission in Sudan and NEMA have put in place arrangements to evacuate Nigerian students and other Nigerian citizens stranded in Sudan.
“The tense situation makes it gravely risky and impossible for any flight at this point.
“Aircrafts parked at the airport in the country were burnt yesterday morning,” she reveals.
Furthermore, she notes that there are efforts by humanitarian groups to get food, water, and medicals across to people affected by the conflict.
Also, Dabiri-Erewa urges the “fighting parties” to consider the Juba Peace Agreement enunciated by Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
