The Vice President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, Malik Agar, discussed with the Sudanese Interior Minister, Major General Khalil Bashir, the legal procedures for the voluntary return of South Sudanese citizens in White Nile State back to their country.
The Sudanese Interior Minister stated on Tuesday that the Vice President emphasized that the return should be voluntary and in accordance with international laws governing such procedures.
Sairin clarified that the meeting addressed the conditions of refugees from South Sudan in White Nile State and the desire of the South Sudanese government for some of them to return. He pointed out that the return would be according to international rules and must be voluntary, based on the refugee’s own desire.
He also emphasized the necessity of a tripartite agreement between the governments of Sudan, South Sudan, and the International Organization for Refugees to arrange for the final return of the refugees according to their wishes.
Additionally, the Vice President discussed with the Sudanese Minister of Oil, Dr. Mohiuddin Al-Naeem, the progress and challenges faced by the engineering teams in restarting the oil pipeline between South Sudan and the Red Sea port. He highlighted the urgency of getting the pipeline operational as soon as possible and praised the efforts made by the ministry and the engineering teams in working to restart and rehabilitate the pipeline.
The Sudanese Minister of Oil, in a press statement, explained that he presented a detailed report on the cessation of the southern line and the efforts of the engineering teams to restart it, noting that all arrangements are complete and the machinery and teams are ready as required.
The conflict in Sudan has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, driving over 7.1 million people from their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries, with substantial numbers fleeing to Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad. The violence, particularly intense in regions like Darfur and around the capital Khartoum, has been marked by the use of heavy weaponry, leading to widespread devastation in poorer neighborhoods. These areas have seen extensive damage and high casualty rates among civilians.
Efforts to assist those displaced within Sudan and those who have fled to other countries face severe challenges. Humanitarian organizations are actively trying to provide relief despite significant obstacles, including attacks on aid workers and looting of supplies. In Juba, South Sudan, where many have fled, the humanitarian situation is dire, with refugees facing extreme shortages of shelter, food, and water. The South Sudanese government is facilitating emergency aid but is urging refugees to move on to other areas or return to their places of origin, complicating the efforts to provide sustained assistance.
Additionally, the Sudanese oil pipeline, critical for the country’s economy, has been suspended due to the conflict. This disruption not only affects Sudan’s economy but also has broader implications for regional energy supplies and economic stability.
