Over the last week at least 813 returnees have arrived in Malakal, the capital of South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, from al-Shajara and other railway waiting stations in Khartoum state after waiting for prolonged periods to be transported back to their homeland.

Malakal’s deputy Bishop of the Africa Inland Church, Justin WaniLeme, confirmed last week’s arrival to Radio Tamazuj.

Most of the returnees, he reported, are from the regions of Upper Nile and Bahr el-Ghazal, where the Upper Nile state authorities are expected to transport them.

“The numbers of returnees who returned from Sudan to South Sudan and arrived here in Malakal town are 813… Most of them are from greater Upper Nile region and Bahr el-Ghazal region. According to the states there will be some who will be going to Upper Nile, Unity state, and Jonglei state while others will be going to Western and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states and others to Lakes and Warrap states, as well as a few of the will be going to Central Equatoria state,” Leme claimed.

He added that the transportation was a collaborative effort between the two governments, alongside other organizations.

Another batch of returnees is expected to arrive in the next few weeks.