Mission Aviation Fellowship staff evacuate Chad

Mission Aviation Fellowship's team of pilots and ministry staff have evacuated to their home countries following recent unrest and instability in Chad.

Around 160 people have been killed during 10 days of fighting, including many civilians, after rebels attacked N'Djamena in early February in an attempt to oust President Idriss Deby, whose 18-year rule they denounce as corrupt.

Many Chadians have headed for safety in neighbouring Cameroon, including MAF Pilot Mark Liprini, along with engineer Garth Moffatt and his wife Claire, who remained there for several days to respond to any requests for emergency evacuation flights.

Once they were sure that most people had been able to find safety, Liprini flew the aircraft down to Kenya and all three returned to their home country of South Africa.

The violence has also forced MAF's British families to return to the UK.

Jill Vine, wife of pilot Greg, writes, "We are so thankful to be home amongst very loving friends and family in Bristol. Your prayers are very much appreciated."

MAF's Country Director in Chad Mike Riley made contact with the ministry's indigenous staff. They remain safe and well, although many have sought safety in Kousseri, Cameroon. MAF's hangar and its contents remain undamaged.

Last week, Peter Maclure from Africa Inland Mission, shared, "All burnt out cars, looted material is being removed from the roads and people are being encouraged to return to work.

"Every effort is being made to repair buildings and to cover the fierce fighting of 10 days ago. The mobile phone networks were re-opened and the first fuel stations began to function again."

Mike Riley and Greg Vine are planning to return to Chad soon for a weeklong stay to assess the situation and plan when and how MAF's operations can resume.