Stranded S Sudanese in Khartoum welcome signing of peace deal

South Sudanese nationals stranded in the Sudanese capital Khartoum have welcomed signing of peace deal by President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar.

South Sudanese nationals stranded in the Sudanese capital Khartoum have welcomed signing of peace deal by President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar.

Jebel Aulia camp leader Sika Hussein told Radio Tamazuj that they welcome the signing of the peace agreement in South Sudan.

“We congratulate the government of South Sudan and Dr. Riek Machar for the agreement reached. So we hope it will be implemented so that the people can return back because the situation here is bad,” he said.

He pointed out that nearly 18,000 South Sudanese refugees from camps on the outskirts south of the capital Khartoum were experiencing a deteriorating humanitarian situation due to lack of food.

Sika explained that several refugees died of hunger and diseases at the camp. He noted there is no humanitarian assistance given to them since they were transported to Bentiu camp in the Jebel Aulia area.

The camp leader called on the warring parties to implement the recently signed peace accord so they can return to South Sudan.

In mid-March, Sudan’s authorities relocated over 16,000 South Sudanese refugees from Andalus and Al Shajera camps on the outskirts of Khartoum to an area called Bentiu south of the capital city.

Armed opposition leader Riek Machar signed the peace accord on 17 August. President Salva Kiir signed on 26 August.