By Boka Jr.
A milestone towards reintegration was achieving on Friday when government officials welcomed 21 South Sudanese back from Eritrea. The reception was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ramadan Goc, alongside the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Minister of Youth and Sports, among other senior officials.
The returnees, who had spent several years living abroad, were greeted warmly in a ceremony that highlighted the government’s commitment to rebuilding the nation and supporting its citizens. Minister Goc, representing President Salva Kiir, emphasized that these returnees play a vital role in the country’s development and encouraged all South Sudanese living outside the nation to consider returning home to contribute to its recovery and growth.
In his remarks, the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, who also acting in the role of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, expressed gratitude toward the Government of Eritrea for providing support to the South Sudanese during their time away. He also acknowledged the efforts of development partners involved in facilitating the return of these nationals, which has been essential for their reintegration into South Sudan.
This return aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at enhancing unity and national cohesion among South Sudan’s population. As the nation faces ongoing challenges, the involvement of citizens living abroad is seen as a way to promote sustainable development and stability within the country.
The government’s call to South Sudanese abroad serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility in addressing the nation’s issues. The successful return of these individuals not only reunites families but also strengthens the nation’s capacity through the contributions of its citizens, whether they are at home or abroad.
This event is more than just a return; it symbolizes hope and reinforces the government’s commitment to building an inclusive environment for all South Sudanese as they strive together for a better future.
According to UNHCR, in 2022, refugees from South Sudan continued to make up the largest group of returnees, with 151,300 returning primarily from Uganda (75,500), Sudan (48,900) and Ethiopia (23,300).
“In 2022 and previous years, returns to South Sudan have been difficult to verify, as they tend to be self-organized, and it can be challenging to reach the areas in which many people return,” the commission says, adding:
“Additionally, in late April 2023, following the outbreak of violence in Sudan, around 46,000 out of 800,000 South Sudanese refugees who were living in Sudan were forced to flee back to their homeland due to the devastating humanitarian situation inside Sudan.”
“Additionally, in late April 2023, following the outbreak of violence in Sudan, around 46,000 out of 800,000 South Sudanese refugees who were living in Sudan were forced to flee back to their homeland due to the devastating humanitarian situation inside Sudan.”