The international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Thursday said more than 20,000 South Sudanese citizens from Aburoc’s internally displaced persons camp (IDP) have started flooding across the border to Sudan in the last two weeks due to harsh conditions.
In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, MSF said many of the displaced people who have crossed in to Sudan are severely dehydrated and in need of emergency medical care.
“Most of the people we see around Aburoc have packed their few belongings and are waiting for space on a truck departing for the north. Nearly all of those leaving have been forced to abandon their homes and have moved places several times in the past,” says Marcus Bachmann, MSF Head of Mission for South Sudan.
“The reasons why we are leaving are mainly security and the lack of food and water. We feel a bit better in Sudan because we are receiving support, and now I am with my family,” said one recent refugee who made the journey to Sudan.
According to MSF, others decided to stay in Aburoc in hopes they will receive clean water, food and shelter. The medical charity pointed out that a field hospital providing primary and secondary care has been opened for the displaced, treating a range of conditions including watery diarrhoea.
The organization noted that many were originally from Malakal, who moved for safety to the town of Wau Shilluk and when it was attacked earlier this year, fled to Aburoc.