Sudan unrest: Non-adherence to ceasefire blocking evacuation of Nigerians, says FG

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.