By Alan Clement
South Sudanese lawmaker has called for urgent government intervention to assist hundreds of refugees returning from Kakuma camp in Kenya.
Speaking during the 9th ordinary sitting of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Monday, August 25, 2025, MP Deng Dau Deng of Twic East constituency called on parliamentary committees to engage relevant authorities to provide transport assistance for the returnees.
“I urge the committees to engage the concerned institutions to facilitate transportation for our people who are now stranded on the way home. Some have already reached Lokichogio and are in dire need of help. They need support to reach their localities safely,” Deng said.
The lawmaker’s appeal comes amid reports of worsening conditions in Kakuma camp, where food rations have been drastically reduced forcing hundreds of South Sudanese refugees to involuntarily return to the country.
Civil society voices have also warned of a looming humanitarian crisis. Activist Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, said the situation in Kakuma camp had become unbearable highlighting the dangers faced by returnees traveling from Lokichogio through Nadapal to Kapoeta, citing insecurity and reports of killings along the route.
“The government should be very serious about this issue. If you look at the crisis in Kakuma, the majority of South Sudanese are stuck. They don’t have food. Even UNHCR has cut down the rations, and some families do not have a meal a day,” Gatwech said during an exclusive interview with this media outlet.
Nearly 300 refugees have already crossed into Eastern Equatoria State through Nadapal. More are expected, but many remain stranded along the Kenya-South Sudan corridor due to lack of transportation.
He called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to coordinate with UN agencies to assist returnees, stressing that the process should be aligned with the peace agreement.
“It is time for the government to think about proper repatriation as part of the peace agreement. Coming from Lokichogio to Nadapal and then to Kapoeta is not safe. People are facing insecurity, killings, and other difficulties,” he said.
Civil society groups say they will continue engaging stakeholders to advocate for safe and coordinated repatriation.