The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) Tuesday lamented the ongoing crisis in Sudan and empathised with the civilian population in the country.
The two ministries also regretted that Nigerian students and other members of the Nigerian community are caught up in the crisis between the Sudanese Army and the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
A statement jointly signed by Ambassador Janet Olisa, the director overseeing the office of the permanent secretary MFA, and Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, permanent secretary FMHADMSD, in Abuja, said the ministers noted with concern that some of the students are trying to find their way to contiguous borders of Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia or Chad on their own.
The statement reads: “In line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Humanitarian Sector, comprising FMHADMSD, NEMA, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) is working very closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian missions in the countries bordering Sudan, as well as other relevant stakeholders especially the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Armed Forces, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and International Humanitarian Organisations such as International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to immediately evacuate these students and other affected Nigerian citizens.
“The ministers urge parents to advise their wards that while concerted efforts are being made to evacuate them, the students should remain calm and maintain constant communication with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan for instructions and updates.
“They can reach the embassy officials on the following telephone numbers: +2348035866773, +249961956284, +2348063636862, +249961956274, +2349066663493.
“Furthermore, they are also advised to guard against undertaking the treacherous journey to the borders on their own, in view of the dangers involved.”
