by RAJI BASHIR
KHARTOUM – SUDAN, going through a civil war, is experiencing a large influx of people fleeing instability in South Sudan.
Since April, more than 159 000 people have entered Sudan from the southern neighbour.
Political instability and rising hostilities between armed groups in South Sudan have led to fresh clashes, particularly in Upper Nile state since late February.
An estimated 49 000 South Sudanese, most of whom (60 percent) have sought refuge in the White Nile state.
Protection monitoring and movement tracking continues at the Joda border crossing.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Commission for Refugees (COR) report that they are preparing to start registration.
Meanwhile, adding to this complexity is the arrival of an estimated 77 000 Sudanese returnees to Blue Nile State and other 33 000 Sudanese returnees to White Nile State.
“Returnees have cited insecurity and prolonged lack of food assistance and essential services in South Sudanese camps as key reasons,” UNHCR stated.
UNHCR has conducted an assessment through a focus group discussion, engaging Sudanese returnee representatives at the Joda transit centre.
Return movements are expected to continue until the rainy season (July to October), when roads become impassable.
South Sudan has faced instability since independence in 2011.
Sudan is also going through a conflict that peaked in 2023.
– CAJ News
