South Sudanese Prisoners Released from Sudan Face Uncertain Future

South Sudanese Prisoners Released from Sudan Face Uncertain Future
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A South Sudanese man who fled conflict in the 1980s has returned to his homeland after spending six months in a Sudanese prison, ABC News reported. His release came in July, alongside nearly 100 other South Sudanese detainees, as Sudan’s ongoing civil war continues to displace millions.

Sudan has been gripped by war since April 2023, with clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaving around 40,000 people dead and nearly 13 million displaced, according to U.N. agencies.

Both sides have been accused of widespread abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment. Former detainees described severe overcrowding, daily deaths from disease and starvation, and torture methods ranging from beatings to electrocution.

In late July, nearly 100 South Sudanese prisoners were unexpectedly transported to the border town of Renk, where humanitarian agencies have been assisting returnees. Renk has become a key hub for displaced South Sudanese, though resources are stretched after an aid program was suspended in June, leaving thousands in overcrowded shelters.

Despite the dire humanitarian situation, those released expressed relief at finally returning to their homeland after decades in Sudan, though many remain separated from relatives still trapped by the conflict.