Juba, South Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – South Sudanese are fleeing Sudan’s conflict-ridden regions and seeking refuge in their home countries. However, they find themselves back in a crisis as they face challenges such as food insecurity and displacement.
Earlier this month, the United Nations warned that 180,000 South Sudanese refugees could return by August, and they have called for more than $95 million in urgent assistance. The UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) says that South Sudan is not yet ready to accommodate its returning citizens as access to basic services remains a critical issue.
The crisis in Sudan has forced many South Sudanese to flee their homes and enter Sudan as refugees. However, many of these refugees were displaced again after the conflict in Sudan. This time, they found themselves back in South Sudan with limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and good sanitation conditions.
“Many of these returnees are coming from war-torn areas and do not have anything to return to. They need support to rebuild their lives,” said Gregoire Goodstein, UNHCR’s representative in South Sudan.
South Sudan has been in a state of conflict since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The conflict has resulted in massive displacement, food insecurity, and a humanitarian crisis that has affected millions of people. The country’s leaders’ inability to address the crisis has further exacerbated the situation.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on the country’s economy, with low oil prices and inflation contributing to increasing food prices. This has led to an increase in food insecurity, with many families struggling to put food on the table.
“Many of these people have been displaced multiple times and are vulnerable, and they need the necessary humanitarian support to rebuild their lives,” said Goodstein.
In conclusion, South Sudan is not yet fully equipped to accommodate its returning citizens, and the situation remains dire. The country needs support to rebuild its broken economy and address the humanitarian crisis that has affected millions of people. Until then, South Sudanese who are fleeing Sudan’s conflict will return to a crisis in their home country. The international community should act urgently to assist these vulnerable people to rebuild their lives.
