KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s High Commission in Nigeria is monitoring closely the political developments in neighbouring Chad as clashes continue even after the death of president Idriss Deby on Tuesday.
Head of Chancery at the High Commission in Abuja, Ahmad Benyamine Noor Rahimin said the mission is also in constant communication with the only Malaysian in Chad and the Foreign Ministry in Chad for updates and information.
“We are ready to assist any Malaysian citizens in Chad, Nigeria and all the accredited countries, who require consular assistance particularly during emergencies or situations of insecurity,” he said in an email reply to Bernama.
Malaysia’s High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria is also the accredited mission to Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Ahmad Benyamine said the High Commission in Nigeria would like to advise all Malaysian citizens in Nigeria and all the accredited countries to always be vigilant, follow instructions of the local authorities and avoid areas where insecurity is expected or reported.
Malaysians there are advised to register with the High Commission of Malaysia in Abuja, Nigeria, via email: mwabuja@kln.gov.my
Based on the High Commission’s record, there is only one Malaysian citizen residing in Chad. The person is working with a non-governmental organisation and is currently in Hadjer-Hadid, east of Chad.
“The High Commission is in constant contact with the Malaysian in Chad. The situation where the Malaysian is staying is reported to be calm and free from clashes or rebel attacks,” Ahmad Benyamine said.
Violent clashes rocked the landlocked north-central African nation as rebel group fought their way into capital of Chad - N’djamena, following the April 11’s results that showed the late president Idriss Deby winning the election.
On Tuesday, the Chadian army announced that Deby had died from injuries fighting against the rebel in the frontline. Deby, 68, had ruled Chad since 1990.
Meanwhile, Anadolu Agency reported hostilities in Central African Republic had also forced at least 7,000 refugees to flee to Chad since last week.
In a series of tweets, the UNHCR said that as at March 31, some 107,280 Central African refugees and asylum seekers were living in Chad, the news agency reported.
The situation in Central African Republic worsened after the rejection of former President Francois Bozize’s candidacy for the December 2020 presidential election.
“Hostilities between a coalition of non-state armed groups and the government forces have continued over the last four months, plunging the country into a new cycle of violence,” it added. -Bernama
