Aweil West: Sudanese refugees hope for peace

Thousands of Sudanese refugees in Aweil West County of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are yearning for peace to be restored in their country so they can return home.

Thousands of Sudanese refugees in Aweil West County of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are yearning for peace to be restored in their country so they can return home.

Conflict erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on April 15, between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group established in 2013. The violence forced many individuals to seek refuge at the Wedwil Refugee Camp in Aweil West County.

The camp accommodates a diverse mix of Sudanese tribes hailing from various states in Sudan, including West Darfur, Khartoum, North Darfur, West Kordofan, Al Obeid, and East Darfur.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on the occasion of World Refugees Day, several Sudanese refugees at Wedwil camp expressed the desire for their country to reclaim peace and security, allowing them to return to their homeland.

Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

The 2023 theme of World Refugee Day is “hope away from home.”

Gadim Ismael, a Sudanese national who witnessed the outbreak of war in Khartoum, shared the devastating impact the conflict has had on their lives.

“The war that began on April 15 in Khartoum has inflicted significant damage upon us. Due to the ongoing bombardments and attacks, we sought refuge in South Sudan because we are one people, and despite their (South Sudan) separation, we remain brothers and sisters,” said Ismael.

“We are currently grappling with food shortages, and we yearn for security and safety to be restored in Sudan so that we can return home,” he added.

Fatuma Mahmud, a female refugee, stated that she would return to Sudan if peace prevailed. However, if conflict persisted, she and her family would remain in South Sudan, as they share familial ties with the Dinka Malual community, who inhabit the Northern Bahr el Ghazal region.

“We need security to be restored in Sudan,” Fatuma emphasized. “If peace is attained, we will return to our homes, as one cannot abandon their land. However, if the country continues to be plagued by conflict, we will remain with our South Sudanese counterparts.”

Other refugees expressed their fervent hope for peace to be reinstated in Sudan and prayed for an end to bloodshed and mass displacement within and beyond the country.

“Our foremost aspiration is to witness peace in Sudan and its territories because insecurity compelled us to seek refuge here at the Wedwil campsite. We beseech God to bring about real peace so that there will be no more internal displacements, refugee crises, and bloodshed,” stated Mahmud Mohammed Osman.

He urged the government and its partners to establish well-equipped homes for the refugees promptly.

Khalda Ahmed Abdalla, a young lady at the campsite, expressed her hope for peace and the cessation of violence in Sudan. She also emphasized the urgent need for water, healthcare, and food supplies.

Some refugees called for integration with the South Sudanese community, owing to the warm welcome and kind treatment they had received from the Dinka Malual community and the people of South Sudan.

 Fatima Mohammed stated their desire to establish long-term residency in the secure and beautiful Wedwil area of Aweil West County. She added, “We wish to become part of the South Sudanese community, as we are one people.”

She further appealed for the delivery of essential services, including healthcare and shelter.

Hamad Yousif Saleh commended the South Sudanese for their exceptional treatment of Sudanese nationals fleeing the conflict in various states. “We arrived at this campsite from different Sudanese states when the war broke out. The host community welcomed us warmly, and we yearn for security to be restored so that we can return home, as the war has deeply impacted us,” said Yousif.