By Chol D. Johnson
A Senior Presidential Envoy’s delegation on Monday visited returnees and displaced populations from Sudan in Renk County, Upper Nile State.
The delegation arrived in Renk to assess the situation of refugees and displaced people and to assure affected populations of the government’s support.
The delegation from the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy, Adut Kiir Mayardit, was headed by Albino Kuek Deng and Akuol Bona Bot.
The team assessed the humanitarian and living conditions of the affected population, as well as support being provided to displaced and refugee children.
During the visit, the delegation was accompanied by Renk County Commissioner, Diing Deng Lueth.
The team toured all Protection of Civilians (POC) camp sites and witnessed large gatherings of refugees and returnees at the Transit Center (TC) and in Abu Khadra village, north of Renk.
The delegation was briefed on challenges faced by displaced families, particularly in accommodation and access to essential services.
Renk County Commissioner Diing Deng Lueth expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the delegation for visiting the returnees and displaced populations from Sudan.
Deng described the mission as timely, noting that it came at a critical moment when the county is experiencing intense displacement and asylum flows as a result of the conflict in Sudan.
“The mission comes at a critical time in which the county is experiencing intense displacement and asylum as a result of the conflict in Sudan,” he said.
He stated that the visit reflects the strong attention given by the Senior Presidential Envoy to rescuing returnees, supporting their reintegration into their homes, and assisting Sudanese refugees with humanitarian needs.
Albino Kuek Deng, head of the delegation from the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy, conveyed greetings from Adut Kiir Mayardit to the citizens of Renk County.
Kuek commended the resilience of Renk County residents and their cooperation in hosting refugees and returnees despite limited capacity.
He said the visit was part of reaffirming the government’s commitment to stand alongside those most affected by the conflict.
“The visit comes as part of reaffirming the government’s commitment to standing alongside the most affected by the conflict,” Kuek said.
He added that the mission reinforces the spirit of national solidarity and shared responsibility, while restoring hope in overcoming existing humanitarian challenges.
Kuek further noted that the visit opens broader horizons for integrating official and community efforts toward a more stable and humane future.
The visit comes days after Adut Kiir Mayardit was appointed Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, during which she outlined her immediate focus on special programmes.
Adut stated that her priorities include supporting peace efforts, reintegrating returnees, and enhancing their access to essential services.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting thousands of South Sudanese returning from refugee camps in neighbouring countries.
Sarah Mose, a representative of refugees in Renk County, expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Government of South Sudan to affected populations in Renk’s refugee camps.
Sarah said that returnees and refugees from Sudan chose Renk because it is a secure and peaceful place in South Sudan.
“We chose Renk because it is a secure and peaceful place in South Sudan,” she said.