Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – Nigeria has begun the process of evacuating thousands of its citizens from Sudan amidst rising tensions in the country. According to Manzo Ezekiel, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria, the first seven buses filled with Nigerian nationals have left Khartoum and are heading to Egypt for repatriation.
Nigeria is one of the largest African communities in Sudan, with an estimated 15,000 Nigerians living and working in various cities across the country. However, recent political instability, insecurity, and violent protests have made life difficult for foreigners in Sudan, leading to the decision to evacuate Nigerian nationals.
“The evacuation of our nationals has begun. Seven buses have left Khartoum and are heading to Egypt,” Ezekiel said, adding that the evacuation is being coordinated by the Nigerian embassy in Sudan.
The evacuation is expected to be completed in phases, with more buses scheduled to leave in the coming days. The Nigerian government has assured its citizens in Sudan of its commitment to their safety and well-being, and has urged them to remain calm and stay away from areas of conflict.
The situation in Sudan has been tense since the April 11 military coup that ousted former President Omar al-Bashir. Protests have continued in the country, with citizens demanding a civilian-led government and an end to military rule.
The Nigerian embassy in Sudan has been working closely with the Sudanese authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens. The embassy has urged Nigerian nationals in Sudan to register with the embassy to enable effective communication and coordination.
“The embassy is working tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation of our citizens. We urge all Nigerians in Sudan to stay calm and cooperate with us for their own safety,” said Musa Zubairu, Nigeria’s ambassador to Sudan.
The Nigerian government has also announced plans to provide financial assistance to citizens who are returning from Sudan, with each person receiving about $250 to help them resettle back home.
The evacuation of Nigerian nationals from Sudan is a significant step towards ensuring their safety in the face of growing tensions in the country. With more buses set to leave in the coming days, it is hoped that the process will be completed without any incident, and that the affected citizens will be able to return to their families and loved ones in Nigeria.
