The Nigerian federal government has stated that the only feasible way to evacuate Nigerians from conflict-ridden Sudan is by road. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, revealed this during an interview on the Sunday Politics program on Channel Television.
Over 5,500 Nigerians, including students, have been calling on the government to rescue them from Sudan since the crisis broke out in the country two weeks ago. In response, the government has been working tirelessly to create a platform where Nigerians in Sudan can log on and obtain vital information on the evacuation process.
In light of the current security situation, the airport is not a safe evacuation route, and the government has deemed road transportation the most viable option. The Minister explained that Nigerians would require a safe corridor and security provided by the government for the road journey. However, the government is also seeking authorization from the Sudanese government at the highest level to embark on this potentially risky trip.
The evacuation process must be coordinated with the evacuation of diplomatic staff, which is yet to happen. While the United States has started evacuating its diplomatic staff, Nigeria has not yet done so, as it would also like to coordinate the students' evacuation.
The government is currently exploring three possible road routes: the Ethiopian border, Port Sudan, and the Egyptian border, which is close to Port Sudan. The situation is challenging, and the government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens during this evacuation process.
Source: People's Gazette, Channels
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