Colombia’s ambassador to Egypt says that the situation in Cairo is “hell,” but will stay to provide support for Colombian nationals in the country, La F.M. radio reported Tuesday.
Mario Iguaran’s main task is to make contact with all Colombians in Egypt, to help those who are seeking to leave and to try to ensure the security of those who want to stay.
“We have made an inventory, tried to communicate personally with Colombians, but it has been very difficult, very difficult to get gasoline, groceries, because some stores have been burned, or looted,” Iguaran told Caracol Radio of the situation in Egypt’s capital.
The diplomat confirmed that it will be necessary to evacuate many of the 300 Colombians that live in Egypt, and that a lot of businesspeople have already left.
“What was once a paradise has become hell in Cairo,” the ambassador told La F.M.
Many Colombians however, have “taken root” in Egypt and intend to stay in the African nation despite the political conflict that has shaken the country, according to Iguaran.
Although the ambassador’s family is set to evacuate Cairo Wednesday, Iguaran will stay on to carry out the orders from Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.
“I have not thought about my resignation, it is my duty to protect my countrymen, my colleagues at the embassy and of course, my family,” Iguaran told La F.M.
The month of January has seen massive unrest in the north African nation, as thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the rule of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who has led the country for 30 years.