By Hou Akot Hou
Aweil Community Association, based in Abyei, is calling for the repatriation of returnees currently stranded in Amiet, Abyei, to their homes.
Mr. Tong Kuot Tong, spokesperson for the association in Abyei, stated on Wednesday via phone call that the returnees are too vulnerable to arrange their own transport back to their places of origin.
“We are seeking ways to urge the government of Northern Bahr El Ghazal to transport the people who are still stranded. They have already taken more than 1,000 people back to Aweil,” said Kuot.
“I am appealing to the government to transport the 500 people who are still in Amiet; they are living in squalid conditions. It is the government’s responsibility to help relocate these people to Aweil,” he stated.
Tong acknowledged the association’s lack of financial capacity to transport the individuals to their original homes.
“We are very incapacitated and unable to help take the people back. I am asking the people on the ground and well-wishers to expedite the process,” he stated.
Kuot added that the start of the rainy season is making their situation even more challenging.
Deng Garang, one of the returnees, spoke to this outlet via phone from the ground, highlighting the additional issue of food scarcity, which is preventing them from staying comfortably.
“We face significant issues with food insecurity and lack of shelter. If the government is able to take us back, it would be a great relief,” he stated.
“The Abyei administration has provided security, and we are grateful for their assistance to our people from Aweil,” said Kuot.