Abyei administration facilitates return of over 1834 returnees

December 6, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Ayom Matet Ayom, head of Education, Health and Social Service in Abyei, today, said Abyei administration has this week facilitated return of one thousand eight hundred and thirty four returnees.

“The administration speeded return of those who had showed interest in returning home so that they reach voter registration scheduled to close tomorrow Monday 7,” he said in Khartoum’s suburb of Amarat.

The official who is currently visiting Khartoum said turning of such a huge number of people wanting to return shows that everybody is ready to go home, he adds.

“I am told this number was never looked for as it used to be in the previous years, there were no meetings held like in the past,” he said stressing that they came themselves.

This is encouraging, he adds saying his administration is determined to commit resources to support returnees to go home for referendum.

Commenting on issues of security which scare majority to return home, he said security situation in the region is under control adding that there are Joint integrated Units and Joint integrated police in the area.

“These units get technical supports from UNMIS in term of training and daily monitoring of the security related concern of the town and are capable of providing adequate security to the local population in the area in case of any eventualities,” he said.

Bol Monychok Wol, an official from humanitarian affairs commission in Abyei acknowledged receipt of 1834 returnees on Thursday 3 December. Thirty five vehicles carrying returnees have arrived and have been dispatched to their locations.

UN WFP and other agencies are providing them receptive services including three months rations, he said

(ST)