By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has confirmed that 12 South Sudanese nationals were killed, and 40 others injured in a bus accident in Sudan.
In a press release dated 8 January, the crash occurred on 7 January 2026 in Dueim city, White Nile State, when two passenger buses collided.
“One of the two passenger buses was transporting south Sudanese returnees who were on their way back to South Sudan. The incident tragically claimed life of 12 south Sudanese nationals and injured 40 others,” the statement partly read.
The ministry expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and wished a quick recovery to the injured.
It also called for better coordination between Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities on the repatriation of citizens and said the situation was being closely monitored through South Sudan’s embassy in Port Sudan.
“The Ministry affirms close monitoring of the situation through South Sudan Embassy in port Sudan and Sudanese Government to ensure all the necessary measures are undertaken in support of the victims and their families” the statement read.
Many South Sudanese had moved to Sudan as refugees or economic migrants before and after Sudan’s civil war began in April 2023.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) caused massive displacement, prompting people to flee for safety including back into South Sudan.
Since Sudan conflict erupted, the insecurity continues to force people to flee their homes in search of safety where many returnees live in damaged homes, with little access to clean water, healthcare and protection.
South Sudanese returning from Sudan are largely driven by conflict, insecurity, and deteriorating living conditions in Sudan.
Tens or hundreds of thousands have come back in recent years, with support from the UN and international partners, but protection gaps, limited resources, and logistical challenges remain significant as both countries grapple with overlapping humanitarian crises.