Over 1,500 returnees arrived in Rumbek by road from Khartoum around the beginning of the referendum.
Isaac Karkona Lejabo is the deputy director of Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Lakes State. He told SCR News that the returnees came in two groups. On Friday, 880 arrived in Rumbek. The second group of 714 people arrived on Sunday.Mr. Karkona said the returnees were being identified in Rumbek transit station to be taken to their final destinations.
He added that the returnees are getting food and medical assistance but no shelter: they live and sleep under the open skye.
Ayan Abuk, a mother of three, arrived in Rumbek on Sunday. She is waiting to be taken to Yirol. She said through an interpreter that the journey was difficult but she was very happy to be in her place.
She added she came to South Sudan because it was becoming independent.
Another group 100 returnees is at the transit station since December 17, waiting to be transported to Yirol.
Mr. Karkona said that so far Lakes State has received almost 3,700 returnees.