Damilola Oyedele
11 February 2008
Abuja — The government of France has granted permission to its residents in Chad, who are still in evacuation centres, to remain if they wish, as calm and some degree of normalcy has returned to N'djamena, the capital city.
It however cautioned them not to travel out of the capital and to observe the hours of curfew until absolute normalcy is restored in the country.
According to a statement released by the Embassy of France in Abuja, the French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Bernard Kouchner disclosed that 485 French and 444 foreigners had arrived France from Chad and there are still many French citizens in the gathering points at the Cité Lamy and the Novotel; a recommendation has been made for them to go home.
Kouchner however placed emphasis on the wishes of the citizens while adding that nationals of other countries have taken the same decision as sufficient security exists for those who wish to remain.
Meanwhile, the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the refugee camp at Gamboru-Ngala in Borno has recorded two births and one death. The camp was set up by the Borno government to cushion the difficulties faced by those fleeing Chad following renewed fighting between rebel forces and government troops.
Hajiya Fatima Aliyu gave birth to a set of twins - male and female - while Malama Hajara Ibrahim delivered a baby girl. Both mothers are Nigerien nationals. NAN also learnt that the camp had recorded its first casualty, following the death of a two-month old baby on Saturday as result of the excessive harmattan cold. Nigerian health officials as well as members of the White Crescent and Red Cross Society of Nigeria were seen assisting the refugees with some of their basic needs.
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