These returnees are among the thousands of South Sudanese who either remained in Sudan after the country’s independence in July 2011 or fled there during the civil conflicts of December 2013 and July 2016.
The humanitarian crisis worsened after the outbreak of a brutal war between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023, which has since resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and the destruction of key infrastructure.
Returnees Stranded in Abyei After Fleeing Sudan
Many of the returnees had escaped deadly clashes in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, and West Kordofan and sought refuge in Abyei, where they endured months without adequate shelter, food, clean water, or medical care.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Lual Awach, the Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, confirmed the safe arrival of the returnees:
“1,086 returnees arrived on Saturday in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State from Abyei Administrative Area after the state government funded their transportation. The government rented 13 trucks to facilitate the transportation activities.”
Gratitude and Concern from Returnees
Awein Deng Anguei, one of the returnees, praised the government’s efforts and shared a glimpse into her long and perilous journey:
“We thank God for our safe arrival in Aweil, and we have been received greatly. We started our journey on 16 April in Sherq Al Nile in Khartoum and passed through Jabra, Mayo, Omdurman, Suk Al Gash, and Suk Libya. We had been stationed in Amiet in Abyei before arriving here.”
While grateful for his own safety, another returnee, Yak Yal, expressed deep concern for those still stranded:
“We want to thank God for our safe arrival. However, we fear for the situation of the many people (returnees) whom we left behind.”
A Call for Continued Support
The return of over a thousand stranded citizens is a significant humanitarian achievement for the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government. However, many more South Sudanese nationals remain displaced within Sudan and other border regions, awaiting similar interventions.
As the war in Sudan rages on, regional authorities and humanitarian agencies are urged to intensify evacuation efforts, provide emergency assistance, and ensure long-term reintegration for returnees.
