By Hou Akot Hou
Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State report a surge of returnees arriving from Sudan earlier this month.
Over 500 individuals were received in Aweil East over the weekend, according to Paul Kuc Akot, Information Director in the Aweil East County Commissioner’s office.
Kuc explained that more than 50 households initially arrived in Gogrial West County on Saturday before being transferred to Aweil East, where they are now camping in the open air at Majak-Ajuong near Wanyjok Town.
“We went to Gogrial West on Saturday, and the commissioner met with his counterpart Victor from Gogrial West County, who had hosted the returnees for a few days en route to Aweil. They are now in our county, and we shall lobby for their support,” said Kuc.
He added that the influx is overwhelming: “The number is overstretching as most of the people come spontaneously. The RRC knows best how many have come recently, so we call on everyone to come to their rescue.”
In response, Aweil East County’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) Chairperson, Mr. Akot Dut Athiang, confirmed the dire conditions of the new arrivals.
“Yes, the huge number is around 1,500 returnees. They came from Sudan through Heglig, some from different parts of Sudan. Those who arrived this weekend were 65 households, totaling about 1,500 individuals, all now in Northern Bahr el Ghazal,” said Dut.
He noted that many returnees are camping in highland areas such as Majok-Yithiou Municipality, Warguet, and Malualbaai Payam while awaiting reintegration.
“Most of the returnees are camping under trees. They include elderly people, children, and women who are suffering due to a lack of food, shelter, and medicine,” Dut recounted.
Appealing for urgent intervention, he added: “We are calling on humanitarian organizations to rescue these people so they can normalize and resume their lives.”
Akot further revealed that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the new arrivals at Majak-Ajuong on Monday and continued to other areas in the county to verify the numbers.
“ICRC and other partners are working with us to verify these returnees, and we are calling for their support.
All government officials, church-based groups, and other Good Samaritans can contribute anything to support these people,” he urged.
As South Sudan continues to grapple with economic challenges and political tensions, many returnees and refugees are spontaneously returning. Officials note that some do not know their original homes of origin.
The government encourages them to identify themselves or remain in groups for easier recognition and mobilization of resources on their behalf.
Officials stress that overstretched resources remain a significant challenge, appealing to host communities to assist by sharing whatever is available.