UN considers repatriation of Sudanese refugees while more enter Uganda

ARUA, Uganda, Nov 8, 2004 (The Monitor) — International humanitarian agencies have begun dialogue with leaders of districts hosting Sudanese refugees to plan their impending repatriation.

The surprise move comes at a time of renewed Sudanese refugee-influx into Moyo district, following reports of intensified LRA rebel attacks in Sudan’s Kodilili area, about 42 Kms south of Juba.

The Monitor has learnt that, the United nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme(WFP) are holding the repatriation talks.

Recently, a senior official of Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) from its Rome headquarters, led a team, comprising the Nairobi bureau staff to meet the district leaders at the RDCs office.

The deputy RDC, Mr Henry Ringakech, who presided over the closed-door meeting said it was a flop. “We did not reach any substantive agreements. We were just chatting because the meeting aborted,” he said.

Another source said the delegation and the leaders discussed strategies for smooth transition of the aliens.

The Chairman, Mr Richard Ferua, said they were keen in addressing the challenges anticipated to arise out of the exercise. He said the government was in contact with Sudanese authorities to prepare the local communities to cordially receive the refugees.

Moyo, Arua and Adjumani are hosts to nearly 150,000 Sudanese refugees.