The appeal comes amid ongoing humanitarian fallout from the civil war that erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, pitting the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The violence has since spread nationwide, triggering one of Africa’s worst refugee crises in decades.
According to the United Nations, over 1 million people have crossed into South Sudan, fleeing the conflict. Among them are thousands of South Sudanese nationals who found themselves trapped in Sudan when war broke out.
10,500 Evacuated by Citizen Volunteers
In the face of limited official evacuations, Citizens’ Call for Emergency Evacuation has stepped in to fill the gap. Led by Akoc Manhiem, the group has facilitated the return of over 10,500 South Sudanese since the war began.
“When the war in Sudan erupted, many foreign governments evacuated their citizens,” said Manhiem. “But we didn’t wait for the government—we saw a gap and stepped in as citizens. A good citizen makes a good government.”
Comprised largely of young professionals, the group mobilized public support and conducted fundraisers to sustain their mission. One such event at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum raised over SSP 100 million (approx. USD 100,000)—funds that went directly into hiring evacuation trucks and covering logistics.
“We rented trucks capable of transporting 300 to 500 people per trip from Khartoum to the Joda border,” Manhiem explained. “From there, international agencies like IOM and UNHCR helped transport returnees to other regions within South Sudan.”
Commitment to Unity and National Service
Manhiem stressed that the group’s operations were conducted without tribal considerations, highlighting South Sudanese unity in the face of crisis.
“There was no tribal classification when we evacuated people. Our group represents the country’s diversity,” he said. “This was a national duty.”
As the war in Sudan continues, Citizens’ Call is shifting its focus toward supporting vulnerable returnee families and expanding into other humanitarian areas.
“We are now registered as an NGO and are looking into acquiring ambulances to help local hospitals. If the Sudan war ends, we still plan to work with the government to respond to future emergencies,” Manhiem added.
Diplomacy Needed to Complete the Mission
The group is now urging the Government of South Sudan to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at securing safe passage for thousands still trapped in Sudan.
As the humanitarian toll deepens, the actions of Citizens’ Call for Emergency Evacuation offer a powerful reminder of the impact youth-led civic engagement can have—even in the face of overwhelming odds.
