Khartoum state reviews progress of voluntary repatriation to South Sudan citizens
October 27, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Khartoum state governing body was briefed this week on progress of the return by South Sudan citizens to their homes almost four months after the country’s breakup.
The working group said that so far 30,000 have been repatriated with 382,000 who have registered their desire to return including 30,000 who are living on the streets.
The report said that there are ongoing talks with IOM and Railroad authority to run 12 trips by train for the homeless southerners after which they will focus on other categories needing repatriation.
Following South Sudan’s independence on July 9th the Sudanese government gave Southern Sudanese a nine month window to leave the country or apply for residency which they are unlikely to get except under limited circumstances.
Since October 2010 at least 360,000 people have returned to South Sudan from the north. IOM said that rain and closure of roads is slowing the process.
(ST)
Tata
Khartoum state reviews progress of voluntary repatriation to South Sudan citizens
I think repatriation of South Sudan citizens to South Sudan is not voluntary as claimed by H.E. the Minister. The government of Sudan was clear on the aftermath status of South Sudanese if South Sudan breaks way. The government put it clear that it strip southerners off the nationality and render them foreigners. The repatriation could have been voluntarily if the government did not threaten them.