Civilians displaced by the conflict in Sudan sail to Unity State through government-led evacuation efforts after being stranded in Upper Nile State. | Photo: Office of Unity State Governor.

Unity State government on Thursday received about 10,000 natives of the state who were stranded in Renk town of Upper Nile State, after fleeing the deadly conflict in Sudan.

The fleet of nine boats sailed for the western ports of Unity State from Renk County on Monday June 18 across the Nile – in an exodus escorted by security forces.

They departed Renk Port a week after Unity State Governor Joseph Manytuil sent a government delegation to assess the returnees’ situation and embark on their evacuation.

“The government of Unity State under Dr. Joseph Manytuil sent a high-level delegation to Upper Nile State on Monday to transport our returnees who are stranded in Renk County,” said Manytuil’s Press Secretary Fourtysix Bakuony.

“The committee has done its task and transported about 10,000 returnees from Renk to Unity. So, the governor received the fleet of nine boats and all the returnees arrived safely yesterday at the Port of Nyaruop in Koch County.”

According Manytuil’s spokesperson, the state government and aid groups are working closely to ensure that all necessary arrangement and support be availed to the civilians.

Bakuony said the support rendered is in terms of food and essential needs as well as their transportation to their respective counties and payams.

“There are boats that can take up to 1500 and those that can take 2,000. The state government has also provided them with food items and plastic sheets.”