Many African governments, including South Africa, have highlighted the urgency to protect citizens, with Uganda pulling out dozens of its nationals from Iran, most of them university students.

After nearly two days on the road, Uganda’s evacuation from Iran is being seen as a diplomatic and logistical success after its students arrived in Istanbul.

Twaha Magara Matata, Chargé D’Affaires at the Uganda Embassy in Tehran, says that 45 Ugandans, including 42 students, crossed into Türkiye after a grueling 42-hour bus journey.

“We are trying our best to make sure that all our nationals are out of Iran. This is because the conflict has continued, and we are not sure when it will come to an end. The government has committed itself to making sure that the safety of our nationals is a priority.”

He says the group is now in temporary accommodation in Istanbul, as officials plan their return home.

Another 65 Ugandans, mostly students, remain in Iran. Officials say they chose to stay behind. Uganda has since moved its embassy operations to Ankara and set up an emergency evacuation desk as fears grow over worsening tensions involving Iran and its regional rivals.

--SABC--