Nigeria calls for ceasefire in Sudan, laments worsening plight of civilians

Nigeria has called for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A spokesperson for Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs ministry, Francisca Omoyuli, in a statement, said the non-adherence to numerous international calls for a ceasefire, has made the plight of civilians in Sudan worse.

Omoyuli said it is in contact with the Sudanese authorities and through the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum and has made an official request for permission to evacuate Nigerian students and other members of the Nigerian community who may wish to leave the war-torn country.

The official said the Nigerian Embassy has created WhatsApp and Telegram platforms for the students and other Nigerians in Sudan, for the purposes of proper coordination and regular updates.

On Thursday, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed that the Commission has received the letter of solicitation by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Sudan for possible evacuation of students especially those in Khartoum the Sudanese capital.

She 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.

Also, she urged all Nigerian Students in Sudan as well as Nigerians living in Sudan to be security conscious and calm.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari alongside Chad’s Transitional President Idriss Déby-Itno, condemned the situation in Sudan with the former describing it as unwelcome and unfortunate.

Four attempts have been made to reach a ceasefire agreement between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who are fighting for power in the country.

Ahmed Al-Mandhari of the World Health Organisation said since the war broke out at least 300 people have died in the fight and almost 3,200 more have been wounded in Khartoum, the western region of Darfur, and other states.