Update 1 – Planned Evacuation of South Africans from Chad

Pretoria- Plans by the French military to assist with the evacuation of 15 South Africans alongside other foreign nationals from Chad remain in place. This follows a request by the South African Government to the French Authorities to assist with the evacuation of the South Africans following a rebel attack on the capital N’Djamena over the weekend.

In this regard, every effort will be made to assist with the evacuation of South Africans from N’Djamena. The current evacuation point is to Gabon. In this regard, the SA Diplomatic Mission in Chad is advising South Africans to move, if safe to do so, to the French Military base and/or the French school as part of the overall plan for evacuation. No time table has been set by the French  for the evacuation from N’Djamena

The Government extends its gratitude to the French authorities for consenting to the evacuation of the South Africans alongside other foreign nationals.

The South African Government reiterates its serious concern regarding the deteriorating politico-security situation in Chad and calls on all parties to co-operate with the AU mediation as part of efforts to assist the people of Chad to find a lasting political solution to their current challenges.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

4 FEBRUARY 2008.

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