The violence, which continues to destabilise the region, has triggered a significant influx of returnees and refugees into South Sudan, with Aweil and surrounding areas in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State receiving a substantial number of these displaced persons.
On Saturday, Tong Kuot Tong, spokesperson for the Aweil Association based in Abyei, confirmed to this publication that the state government has taken decisive action to address the crisis.
A delegation led by Dominic Kang, the Minister of Physical Infrastructure, alongside the Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), visited Amiet, where returnees were temporarily sheltered under trees in dire conditions.
To facilitate their return, the state government deployed 14 vehicles to transport over 1,000 returnees to their respective communities across Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
“We are delighted to announce that our people have been transported back home,” Tong stated. “These individuals hail from various parts of our state, and the 14 vehicles have successfully delivered them to their destinations,” Tong said.
Tong highlighted that, unlike previous efforts where humanitarian partners played a more prominent role, the state government independently managed the transportation process. However, he noted that partners are expected to provide support once the returnees are settled, particularly in areas such as food security, healthcare, and shelter.
“The partners will step in to do what they can when the returnees arrive in their communities,” he stated.
The spokesperson emphasised the importance of sustained community and institutional support to ensure the successful reintegration of returnees.
Many of these individuals face significant challenges, including the loss of livelihoods, limited access to education, and inadequate housing, as they attempt to rebuild their lives after fleeing violence in Sudan.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, Northern Bahr El Ghazal has faced mounting pressure to accommodate the steady stream of returnees and refugees crossing the border.
The state government, in collaboration with humanitarian organisations, has been working to address the multifaceted needs of these populations.
This includes providing immediate relief such as food and medical care, as well as longer-term solutions like access to education, vocational training, and sustainable livelihoods.
The government’s efforts to transport and support returnees underscore its commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
However, the scale of the challenge requires continued cooperation between the state, national authorities, and international partners to ensure that returnees can reintegrate successfully and contribute to the development of Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
