The repatriation of Abyei natives continues taking place ahead of a referendum scheduled for later this month in order to decide the future of the region. 

A source confirmed that about 900 returnees were airlifted recently from the Juba airport in 81 flights coordinated by authorities. However, the majority of the people returning to Abyei still travel by land from different towns of South Sudan to vote in the referendum, he told Radio Tamazuj.

Repatriation allegedly continues without difficulties, and a returnee said the “commends the role played by authorities in facilitating their return to Abyei.”

Khartoum opposes the referendum initially outlined by the African Union. It would exclude the majority of the nomadic Misseriya who spend a few months of each year in Abyei for grazing. The Dinka Ngok who reside in Abyei were granted the right to vote by Juba.