1.4M Refugees Returned to South Sudan in Five Years, UN Reports

According to the UN refugee agency, over 1.4 million South Sudanese refugees have returned to their homeland since the signing of a revitalized peace agreement in October 2018, with the latest figures reported up to May 31, 2024, Xinhua reported yesterday.

As of the end of May, there are still approximately 2.2 million South Sudanese refugees residing in neighboring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic, the source mentioned.

Uganda hosts the largest number, with 939,538 refugees, followed by Sudan (668,847), Ethiopia (422,107), Kenya (181,963), the DRC (53,621), and the Central African Republic (2,813).

The UNHCR highlighted that many refugees cited family reunification, improved security conditions in South Sudan, and the need to assess their land and properties as primary reasons for their return. Conversely, those leaving their countries of asylum often mentioned insecurity, lack of employment opportunities, and reduced food rations in refugee camps as key factors.

In May alone, 41,600 South Sudanese returned home, reflecting a slight increase from the previous month. This uptick is attributed to ongoing insecurity in some host countries, particularly Sudan, along with diminished food supplies and limited job prospects.