Over 1,500 people who were displaced more than a year ago from the disputed Abyei border area returned to the area in a convoy of buses on Tuesday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the acting chairman of Abyei displaced persons in Western Bahr al-Ghazal, Wol Mangok Kachuol, said the returnees reached safely after spending one day on the way.

Kachuol, who is also a member of the ‘repatriating committee,’ said they limited the repatriation to 1500 persons only because there were not enough buses to do more in one trip.

“In fact the intended number was 1,500 but we expected more because some mothers are breastfeeding and so the number might go up to 1,700-1,800,” said Kachuol.

He also stated that while they were on their way to Abyei, before reaching Kwajok, a bus tire busted and the vehicle was left behind. Two other buses stopped working before reaching Abyei and mechanics were sent back to go and look into the matter.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Abuk Luak Dher, one of the IDPs who have just arrive Abyei said: “We are very happy we have reached our land despite our earlier anger. We are very happy despite the fact that our land is destroyed, it is us to restore it, thank you for being with us.”

On the other hand Marko Kuol the chairperson of the organizing committee for the IDPs in Abyei said they have prepared food for them. “Everything is ready,” he said.

According to Kachuol, the repatriation was funded by the Abyei local administration and civil society organizations. “No other person has given a hand of support, except the people of Abyei,” he said.

Kachuol estimated that the number of Abyei residents still remaining in Western Bahr al-Ghazal state is more than 17,000. These refugees were drawn to Wau after fleeing Abyei in mid-2011 when the Sudanese army invaded the area, completely depopulating Abyei. While the majority of Abyei residents remained in northern Warrap state, others moved to Wau seeking access to better services, jobs and urban relatives.

He also disclosed that the committee will have to sit first and make assessment of what they have done, mobilize resources from WFP and other bodies, then continue repatriation of the refugees left in Western Bahr al-Ghazal.

However, Kachuol mentioned that the state governor Rizik Zakaria has promised to take responsibility for another batch to be repatriated.