GOSS Should Support Return Of IDPs FromThe North, Urges IDPs

18 November 2010 – (Khartoum) – The arrangement to return thousands of southern Sudanese from Khartoum back to their homes in the south ahead of the 2011 referendum is facing challenges.

Ayiik Ajuong’, awaits return to Warrap state. According to him, GOSS has not been supportive of the voluntary return process.

He spoke to SRS at the returnees headquarters in Khartoum on Thursday.

[Ayiik Ajuong]: “Regarding the voluntary return, the people are really suffering. Even those with us are really suffering. It is difficult because there is a genuine attempt to return, but the government does not support this process. Originally we are going back, so if there are people who support this let them do so, so that people can catch registration in the south.”

Another person who waits return to the south, Deng Kueth Monytung is happy to get back home despite the many challenges involved.

[Deng Kueth]: “I am one of the returnees awaiting the voluntary return program. I am very happy I am returning home, because I am one of the southerners who were born in northern Sudan. I used to go and come back, but now God gave me the chance of going home. There are some social problems related to harassment but a person must return to his home.”

According to the GOSS the return process is slow due to the lack of funds.