By Hou Akot Hou
Aweil Community Union in Abyei is urgently appealing for the repatriation of hundreds of returnees currently stranded in Amiet, Abyei.
The union reports having registered over 1,500 individuals, all originally from Aweil, who are in dire need of transportation back to their homes.
The association is appealing to international partners and the government of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State to help expedite the repatriation process.
Tong Kuot Tong, the spokesperson for the union, informed this publication over the weekend that the returnees are currently sheltering under trees in Amiet without access to food and water.
He described the situation as “catastrophic.”
“As I am speaking to you, they are in critical condition due to the lack of basic necessities such as food. We have registered over 1,500 people, and these individuals come from Sudan, including areas like Omdurman and other states. Among them are elderly people who cannot withstand this dire situation,” stated Mr. Kuot.
“The number we have recorded is very high and requires the intervention of the government of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State. As a union, we are lobbying extensively to secure support for them. We have deep sympathy for their plight but are unfortunately incapacitated to provide adequate assistance,” he noted.
Mr. Tong appealed directly to the Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Mr. Simon Ober Mawut, and the government of South Sudan to take the necessary action to repatriate the returnees stranded in Abyei.
The spokesperson lamented that while only people from Aweil remain stranded, individuals from other regions are reportedly being evacuated by their respective authorities.
He expressed concern that if the situation remains unaddressed, it could have negative repercussions for their community.