The chief administrator of Geiger Payam, Dok Lual, says that several thousand South Sudanese people are encamped in the area waiting to cross the border into Sudan as refugees.

The official estimated that approximately 2000 to 3000 refugees are now accommodated in Joda El Fukhar and Geiger payam in northern Upper Nile State, while at least 1,500 more already crossed to Sudan territory, according to the official.

He said that the group came to northern Upper Nile fleeing the conflict in Malakal town and its environs. But he pointed out that the security situation at the Joda checkpoint area where they are currently is relatively calm.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Lual stated that the local authorities have been able to relieve the overcrowding of refugees at the borders.

“When we saw that the crossing point was overcrowded we decided to  join efforts with our counterparts in Jebelein Locality to allow some refugee to cross to Sudan, especially patients, elderly, students and some families who have blood relationships with Sudanese,” said the local official.

“About 1,500 refugees have reached in Alagaya camp in Jebelain Locality,” he explained.

He noted, those who had crossed to Jebelein Locality in White Nile State were registered and are receiving humanitarian assistance from the organizations operating in the area.

Lual urged communities on both sides of the border to join in solidarity and cooperation to provided assistance to the conflict-affected people of South Sudan. He also commended the role played by the Renk County Commissioner in welcoming so many thousands of displaced people in the county.

File photo: Sign post outside the Geiger Payam government building (Radio Tamazuj)