UPDATE 2: Five South Africans to be evacuated tonight from Chad to Gabon

Pretoria – Five South Africans will be evacuated tonight from Chad to Libreville, Gabon by the French military. This follows an agreement between the South African Government and the French Authorities to assist in the evacuation of South Africans alongside other foreign nationals from Chad.

Plans are being made for the South African Ambassador to Gabon, Jomo Khasu to receive the five upon arrival in Libreville tonight. Meanwhile four other South Africans have now arrived at the French School awaiting transportation to the French military base for evacuation.

Three other South Africans are safe in their homes in N’Djamena but remain in contact with the South African Chargé d’Affaires to Chad , Gert du Preez and their employer.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has received a number of calls from the public regarding the welfare of their loved ones and employees in Chad. Accordingly, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Services continues to do everything in its power to offer consular assistance to the South Africans currently in Chad as well as their families and relatives in South Africa.

In this regard, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Services will continue with its endeavours to locate other South Africans that are known to be in Chad with a view to offering consular assistance.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

4 February 2008.