As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran following renewed military confrontations that began on June 13, several African countries have initiated evacuation procedures for their nationals.
The latest crisis, which saw Iran launch missiles into Israel and Israel target nuclear and military facilities inside Iran, has resulted in significant casualties.
Iran’s health ministry confirmed over 220 deaths, while Israeli authorities say 24 people have died from retaliatory attacks.
Here is a detailed look—based on reporting by BBC News Pidgin at the evacuation responses of African governments:
Nigeria
The Nigerian government says it is finalising plans to evacuate its citizens from the affected regions. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that authorities are working with international partners to ensure the safe and timely return of Nigerians. Citizens in Israel and Iran are advised to reach out to Nigerian embassies or consulates in nearby countries for further guidance.
The spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Tuesday, June 17 said: “The ministry wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalizing arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by the necessary security protocols and do well to contact the nearest Nigerian embassy for registration and further instructions.
“The ministry commends the efforts put in place by our missions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian community at this difficult time.
“We wish to reassure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens both at home and abroad and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in the affected areas.”
Ebienfa added that in the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterated its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties involved to embrace dlalogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
He said Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to global peace and stability, adding that further updates will be provided through official channels as events unfold.
Ghana
Ghana has already begun evacuating its nationals from Iran. This has seen the Ghanaian government shutting down its embassy in Tehran while confirming that diplomats, students, professionals, and other citizens are being moved out through land borders.
In Israel, however, evacuation has been delayed due to border closures. The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that movement is only possible with approval from Israeli authorities. Citizens are currently being told to remain in bomb shelters.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Government of Ghana expresses its serious concern over the military escalation between Israel and Iran, following the military strikes undertaken by the State of Israel on Iranian territory on 13 June 2025.
“Ghana calls upon the partics to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize dialogue, and accept the channels of diplomatic facilitation to de-escalate the situation. Ghana further calls upon the parties to reaffirm their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law.
“Ghana urges the parties to urgently recommit to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and to respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of each other. Ghana stands ready to support a unified response of the international community to de-escalate the conflict to prevent its spread, abate the further destabilisation of the Middle East, and contain the unfolding threat to international peace and security.”
According to the Ghanaian embassy in Israel, 922 Ghanaians are officially residing in the country. One Ghanaian resident told *BBC News Pidgin* that they rely on automated alerts from Israel’s defence ministry to seek shelter during missile attacks, most of which occur at night.
Uganda
Uganda is coordinating evacuations through third-party countries, as it has no embassies in either Israel or Iran. According to *Chimp Reports*, the Ugandan government has contacted Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Jordan to request visas for its nationals fleeing the conflict zones.
As of now, 48 Ugandan students have begun leaving Tehran. Uganda’s foreign ministry has tasked its diplomatic missions in the region with overseeing the evacuation process.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said in a statement on its official X account: “The Government of
The Uganda Embassy in Tehran has successfully coordinated the evacuation of two diplomatic staff who had remained in Tehran, and 42 Ugandan students to Turkiye following the outbreak of conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel that broke out on 13th June 2025.
“The evacuations were managed by the Embassy having set up an emergency evacuation coordination centre in neighbouring Turkey where, in cooperation with the Embassy in Ankara and guidance from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Ugandans in Iran were registered for evacuations, land transport arranged and the Republic of Turkey requested and accepted to issue visas on arrival yo enable emergency evacuation of the affected Ugandans back home through Turkey.
“The Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre is being overseen by Amb. Twaha Matata, Charge d’Affaires a.i, assisted by Mr. Oscar J. Edule, Minister Counsellor and Mr. Agaba Mark, Financial Attaché, Uganda Embassy Tehran. This centre will continue to operate until all Ugandans in the Islamic Republic of Iran are repatriated to Uganda.
“The evacuated nationals were received at the Bargarzan border by Mr. Julius Malinga, Second Secretary, Ms. Zainah Nabirye, Uganda Embassy in Tehran and Mr. Mubarak Daka from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara on Wednesday, 18th June 2025. They are being transferred today to Istanbul, where they are expected to be conveyed to Uganda on a commercial chartered aircraft.
“Registration and coordination efforts continue to be undertaken for other Ugandan nationals still inside Iran, with the aim of safely guiding, supporting, and ensuring their safe exit and return to Uganda.”
Kenya
The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not started evacuations but issued a strong advisory urging its citizens in Israel and Iran to take extreme precautions. Citizens have been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors, and follow local authorities’ instructions. Kenyans in distress have been directed to contact their missions in Tel Aviv or Tehran for emergency assistance.
South Africa
South Africa’s foreign ministry earlier asked its citizens in Iran to register with the country’s embassy. The government, however, warned that its consular support is limited and that it may not be able to offer assistance during emergencies. The ministry encouraged South African nationals to evaluate their own safety and act accordingly.
