Authorities in South Sudan’s Maridi State are preparing for the anticipated return of refugees and internally displaced persons in the coming dry season.

The state ministry of local government and law enforcement and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission will conduct a workshop aimed at equipping all relevant stakeholders with information and tools to manage returnees and avert a possible crisis.

Faisal Luciano Gawana, the ministry director-general said they anticipate a large number of returnees in the dry season which begins this November.

“Any return if not prepared for is most likely to generate a new set of problems which may threaten the existing peace agreement. As time is unfolding rapidly, all the stakeholders are ill-prepared to handle and manage the return,” he said.

Meanwhile, the director of the New Sudan Women Federation, Monica Mumboto, welcomed the move and said it is important that all stakeholders across the state are prepared to receive returnees.

She urged the communities to welcome returnees with love saying that it is time to forgive each other.

Mumboto also called on the communities to support the returnees with food and shelter until they can rebuild their lives.