People who recently returned to Abyei and surrounding villages after more than a year in refugee camps are complaining of continuing heavy rainfall and lack of basic needs in the area.

Many civilians told Radio Tamazuj that they have not received any food items since they were returned to Abyei in the wake of the withdrawal of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).

One of Abyei residents named Ngor said they are using leaves of trees to cover themselves from heavy rain due to lack of tarpaulins and tents.

He added that residents in Abyei have appealed to the humanitarian organizations operating in the area to provide tarpaulins and some tents to the returnees to cover themselves from rain but no response has been made.

Ngor also explained that the rugged roads from Abyei town leading to Agok and Aneit caused absence of the basic services like mills, hospitals and water sources.

They called on authorities in Abyei and different organizations through the United Nation Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to arrange their situation before they are returned to their residential areas.

Photo: Women resting in Abyei, late June 2012 (Radio Tamazuj)