Over 13,000 returnees are waiting in very desperate and dire conditions in Kosti, Sudan, to be taken to South Sudan by barge or train.
A Church official who visited Kosti told CNR News that the returnees are assembled at two points: 9,000 are at the port while another 4,000 stay by the train station.He said the returnees are tired and have almost exhausted their reserves after a long wait.
He added that some have been in Kosti for at least three months and as soon as one barge leaves a new group of Southerners comes to the port of Kosti.
The officer said the returnees complain of corruption and misuse of funds by the authorities at the Kosti way station.
He added that it is not clear whether all goods carried by the barges belong to the returnees or are smuggled by traders.
The official said the railway needs some cleaning from overgrowth grass before Wau in order to allow trains to pass through again.
He added that the new port in Kosti has good facilities but it cannot cope with more than 2,500 people at once.
He explained that returnees live around the facility in precarious settlements exposed to malaria, typhoid and snake bites, with some women delivering at the place.
He said the Church is taking care of the returnees with Sunday masses and preparation for the sacraments, and assisting them with whatever it has, including transportation to the hospital.