FG plans to evacuate Nigerians in Sudan

The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking steps to evacuate its citizens from Sudan due to the worsening conflict in the country. Following a plea by Nigerian students in Sudan to be evacuated from the country, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) head, Abike Dabiri, confirmed that meetings are being held to facilitate the evacuation process. The conflict in Sudan is between two generals who seized power in a 2021 coup: army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a statement released by NIDCOM spokesperson, Gabriel Odu, Dabiri expressed her concern over the situation and assured that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is in charge of emergency evacuations, is consulting with the Nigerian mission in Sudan and other relevant agencies. She added that the government is working to ensure the safety of Nigerians in Sudan.

The Nigerian government is not taking the situation in Sudan lightly as it has been reported that the country is facing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of people, and there have been reports of widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and torture. The situation has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further strained the resources of the country's health sector.

The Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens wherever they may be, and it is commendable that it is taking steps to ensure their safety. The government has also been urged to engage in diplomatic efforts to help resolve the conflict in Sudan. The African Union and the United Nations have already condemned the violence and have called for an end to the conflict. The Nigerian government can also use its influence within the African Union to help resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, Nigerian students in Sudan are living in fear as the conflict continues to escalate. Many have been unable to return home due to the closure of the borders, and there are reports that some have been attacked by armed men. The students have appealed to the Nigerian government to evacuate them from the country, and it is heartening to see that the government is responding to their pleas.

It is essential that the Nigerian government acts swiftly to evacuate its citizens from Sudan, especially given the deteriorating security situation in the country. The government must ensure that the evacuation process is carried out in a safe and efficient manner and that the citizens are provided with the necessary support and assistance upon their return to Nigeria.