Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission in Khartoum has announced arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of thousands of South Sudanese citizens to their areas of origin.
Mohamed Mustafa El-Sennari, the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner for Khartoum state, said in a press statement that the repatriation is being carried out in collaboration with the South Sudanese government.
The move is based on a previous agreement between Sudan and South Sudan in collaboration with the National Centre for Displacement and Voluntarily Return in addition to the Khartoum state Humanitarian Aid Commission.
The official said the process began with nearly 5,000 South Sudanese nationals being transported to Bentiu in Unity state. He noted that the area has been equipped with all the necessary needs for accommodation and sanitation.
El-Sinnari further pointed out that the program is being sponsored by the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
He added that the programme aimed at transporting stranded returnees who are currently living in El Shajera and Andalus camps on the outskirts of Khartoum.
Separately, a meeting of the Joint Technical Committee for Border Demarcation between Sudan and South concluded on Saturday in Juba.