Khartoum, Sudan.- (African Boulevard News) – As the situation in Sudan continues to escalate, Nigerian authorities have announced plans to evacuate some of the 5,000 Nigerians who are currently stranded in the country. This comes as a result of the power tussle between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces, which has led to fighting in the capital city of Khartoum, resulting in over 400 deaths and thousands of injuries.
Nigeria to Begin Evacuation of Nationals From Sudan
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that it has finalized plans to evacuate the first group of 3,500 Nigerian students in Sudan, beginning Tuesday morning. The plan is for students to be taken by bus to Cairo and then flown to Nigeria. The director of special duties at NEMA, Onimode Bandele, has stated that the safety of the students is of utmost importance, and they will not be evacuated until it is deemed safe to do so.
Sudan Government Yet to Give Final Approval
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Sudan’s government has yet to give final approval for the evacuation of its nationals. However, with the ongoing fighting and the number of casualties rising daily, it is expected that the Sudanese government will grant approval for the evacuation soon.
Fear and Uncertainty Among Nigerians Stranded in Sudan
Many Nigerians, including Abdulaziz Jikanliman, are living in perpetual fear amid the ongoing fighting. Jikanliman, who is stuck in a school hostel, stated that he and those around him can hear gunshots and bombings, and they are all scared. He further revealed that people are starving, with many unable to afford water, let alone food.
Union Groups Criticize Nigerian Authorities
Union groups, such as the Nigerian Labor Congress and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have criticized the Nigerian government for not acting sooner to evacuate its stranded citizens. Babatunde Akinteye, vice president of NANS, stated that they have taken too long, and if not for their cry, the government might not have taken any action.
Cease-Fires Ignored
Both factions involved in the current power tussle have ignored cease-fires in the past, including a three-day halt last Friday to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which ends the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This has further increased the fear and uncertainty among those stranded in Sudan.
Conclusion
The situation in Sudan is dire, and as the number of casualties continues to rise, countries such as Nigeria are taking steps to evacuate their stranded nationals. However, with the Sudanese government yet to give final approval, the safety of those being evacuated remains a top priority. As the power tussle continues, it is crucial that both factions involved put an end to the fighting and find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
