By James innocent
Returnees who had fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have started settling in Senema Sub-Boma, Otogo Payam of Yei River County, despite facing numerous challenges.
Authorities of Yei River County visited the returnees on Friday, accompanied by the Head Chief of Ombasi and the Director for Otago Payam.
The returnees were forced to leave the DRC due to restrictions imposed by the Congolese authorities, who demanded a lot of money for migration that the returnees could not afford. As a result, they voluntarily returned to South Sudan.
Yei River County Commissioner, Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, expressed his appreciation for the returnees’ courage in deciding to come back home, and their resilience during the difficult process of resettlement.
“Because of your decision today, you have seen positive responses from Humanitarian Agencies as I see you receiving non-food items today,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized the need to provide the returnees with essential services, such as healthcare, including measles and OV vaccination, rehabilitation of clean water points, and education for the children.
SSPDF Commander in the county Brigadier John Lual Tong Awan Commissioner Kanyikwa Brigadier Tong also reiterated the army’s commitment to protecting the civilians and their properties.
He called on those still carrying guns in the bushes to come back home and engage in a dialogue with the government to find a peaceful solution.
The Commissioner’s visit aimed to strengthen the security situation and inspect the poor condition of the road to Senema, which has been hindering humanitarian efforts.
During the visit, the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a humanitarian agency, was distributing non-food items to the returnees, including shelters, utensils, and water containers.
Most of the returnees have already set up shelters and are preparing their land for cultivation in the second season.
However, the conditions remain dire as their numbers increase, and the food provided by the Governor and County Authorities is running low.