IOM, the International Organization for Migration, said it plans to airlift 15,000 South Sudanese stranded for months in Kosti, Sudan, to their homeland under a new agreement with the Government of Khartoum.
IOM Sudan chief of mission, Jill Helke, said it was the best solution for all concerned.She added that IOM was grateful to the governments of Sudan and South Sudan for their cooperation and support to ensure that Southerners in Kosti can move home in safety and dignity.
Ms Helke said IOM is developing a plan to move the returnees that will include charter flights to Juba.
The Governor of White Nile ordered the Southerners to leave Kosti until last Saturday. The Government of Khartoum moved the deadline 15 days ahead to May 20.