Ex-soldiers protest blocks way for South Sudan returnees
April 24, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – One hundred and Sixty-seven (167) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) ordered to return back to Khartoum on their way to south Sudan from Kosti the capital of white Nile state due to former soldiers demonstration in the town in which the protesters block the bridge last Sunday.
The Public information Officer of International Organisation for Immigration (IOM) Simona Optiz told the reporters on Monday that a convoy with167 internally displaced persons on board traveling on the April 22, have to return back to Khartoum on their way to northern Bahr Al Ghazal because of demonstration by retired soldiers of the Sudanese army who block the Kosti bridge on the convoy route while demanding money for their service in the military.
According to IOM Optiz, the recall of the convoy by the organization was undertaken as part of a normal security measure to ensure safety to the displaced persons to reach their destinies in good safety.
Simona Optiz said that the return of the IDPs back to Khartoum was done under consultations and cooperation with all partners in the Joint Organised Return Pragramme, the Government of National Unity and the Government of South Sudan.
She said that the convoy had returned safely to Dar el Salam Departure center in Khartoum South. According to her the convoy departed early Monday to northern Bahr Al Ghazal as it as scheduled.
(ST)