An official recognized that the Government of South Sudan is unable to welcome and provide returnees from the Sudan with living conditions.
The caretaker minister for humanitarian affairs and disaster management James Kok Ruei told SCR News that the government was not prepared to settle hundreds of thousands of returnees that were left in alarming conditions.
The minister decried the lack of funds and preparations to welcome them.
The number of South Sudanese in the Sudan is estimated to be 1.5 million.
Mr. Kok said only 483 thousand were repatriated so far to South Sudan.
He also said their exposure to poor conditions including lack of schools., health facilities, shelter and food.
Mr. Kok said the government has appealed to partners to urgently work to increase the capacity to provide onward transport for the possible influx of more returnees since their situation is deteriorating in Sudan.
Refugees International says in its July’s report that thousands of Southerners are currently crowded into 19 assembly points in Khartoum, awaiting transportation.
The report further says the security situation at these assembly points is deteriorating with reports of police raids and harassment by local community members.
The UN estimates that over 300,000 Southerners are planning to return to South Sudan very soon.