The national minister for humanitarian affairs and disaster management today briefed the National Legislative Assembly about returns to South Sudan.
Joseph Lual Acuil said it was the concern and interest of all that the returnees are well received and in a dignified manner.He said the movement of returnees slowed down because the Sudan Armed Forces closed several routes prohibiting movements to Abyei, Bentiu and other areas in Upper Nile State.
The ministry is using barges to transport returnees from Renk to other destinations in South Sudan.
Mr Lual said last month he spent one week in Khartoum to negotiate two bilateral agreements on the routes of return and the transfer of South Sudanese prisoners in the Sudan.
He added that about 500,000 to 700,000 Southerners are expected to return to South Sudan but the ministry needs to mobilise partners to assist the returnees to come home.
Mr. Lual disclosed that he submitted the action plan to the President of the Republic and requested 50 million pounds from the Council of Ministers.
He called on States governors to provide security and land for the returnees to settle.