Local authorities in Sudan’s White Nile state announced that they intend to relocate South Sudanese refugees who are currently living in Kilo Ashara village to Umm Jalala area in Salam Locality.
Three new camp sites were reportedly identified by the government to accommodate about 20,000 refugees.
In a press statement yesterday, the head of the refugees’ coordinating committee, Al Tayib Mohamed Abdullah stated the refugees were expected to be transported to the three camps as soon as possible.
He noted the number of South Sudan refugees who are encamped in Kilo Ashara stands at 20,000.
Abdullah said the relocation process is in fully coordinated with the Sudanese Red Crescent and Wold Food Programme as well as the refugees’ committee.
The authorities also attributed the reason of relocation to the approaching rainy season, saying that Kilo Ashara is a swampy and low-lying area not suitable for so many people to live in.
Related coverage:
S. Sudan refugees face expulsion from White Nile area (3 Apr.)
White Nile prepares to receive refugees from South Sudan (26 Dec.)