23 Rwanda nationals residing in Libya, yesterday, arrived in Istanbul Turkey fleeing the unrest which has rocked the country as protesters vow to oust President Muammar Gaddafi..

18 are students who have been undertaking various courses in Tripoli University, and a family of five.They arrived at 3AM on Saturday from Tripoli aboard Turkish Airlines together with Turkish nationals.

Robert Masozera the former Director General of the Diaspora directorate, now Ambassador designate to Belgium, confirmed the development saying that he had received information from Turkey.

"They immediately called me after landing in Istanbul and we are now looking at possible ways of flying them to their home country,” Masozera said by phone.

Masozera added that since the number of students is small, government intends to send them commercial tickets to evacuate them.

He commended the Turkish government for helping the Rwandans, adding that this indicates good relations between the two countries.

"We thank the Turkish government because if it was not due to our good relationship,  maybe our people would still be stranded in Libya,” he said.

He added that the 23 are expected to land in the country on Monday.

Recently 44 Rwandan students were evacuated from Egypt where protests led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak who had ruled for 30 years.
Protesters in Libya are demanding President Muammar Gaddafi to step down after 42 years in office.

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