The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak reports that 73,700 people who crossed the border into South Sudan from Sudan are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Minister Akol briefed President Salva Kiir on the humanitarian situation of refugees and returnees on Friday. Hundreds fled the conflict in Sudan to the Renk and Paloch areas of Upper State.
Akol says plans are underway to evacuate the people from Renk and other entry points by River.
The Minister added that they have started evacuating the returnees from Renk to Wau and other parts of the Country, despite the financial constraints hindering the evacuation process.
However, President Kiir has directed the Ministry of Finance to fund the process. He acknowledged the support given by humanitarian partners in welcoming the returnees and refugees into South Sudan.
According to the officials, thousands of people continue to flee the conflict in Sudan as fighting intensifies in various places in their country.
The battle between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) started six weeks ago and has led to a collapse in law and order with looting that both sides blame on the other. Stocks of food, cash, and essentials are rapidly dwindling.