Reverse exodus as Renk citizens flee south fearing rebels

Citizens in Renk in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state report a continued exodus of the conflict-displaced families southward to Paloich area instead of crossing to neighbouring Sudan.

Citizens in Renk in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state report a continued exodus of the conflict-displaced families southward to Paloich area instead of crossing to neighbouring Sudan.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, several citizens said families were heading as far as the capital Juba due to frequent attacks by rebels in the northern Upper Nile areas.

The citizens said people choose to go south instead of into Sudan because opposition fighters are at the Joda checkpoint along the Upper Nile-Sudan border.

They also said there are rumours of South Sudanese youth being arrested while attempting to flee to Khartoum, causing people to prefer going south.

File photo: Renk at dusk