View of Magwi town of Eastern Equatoria State. (Photo: Wikipedia).

Authorities in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State say about 7,000 refugees have returned home after the security situation improved in the area.

The estimated number of returnees from neighboring Uganda and Kenya arrived in December last year alone.

Magwi Commissioner Otto David Remson says the civilians have returned home on a voluntary basis after seeing improved security in the area, which has previously witnessed farmers–herders conflicts.

Otto appeals to the South Sudanese still living in the refugee camps to return home and rebuild their homes.

The commissioner says the government will rehabilitate water points to provide clean water for the returnees.

Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, he called on the state and national government as well as aid agencies to resettle the new arrivals with life-saving assistance.

“The numbers are coming frequently and the population right now in Magwi is increasing,” Otto said.

“I was in communication when they called me on the 30th. They are requesting me to talk to the community leaders within Magwi county so that the grass should not be burned because they are ready to come back home so that they come and erect their own tukuls.’

He adds: “Magwi County is very good, the condition is very well in terms of security”.

The returnees are reportedly integrated among their families and communities, amid a lack of enough food, and other basic needs.

In 2021, President Salva Kiir appealed to the Madi people, who fled the 2016 conflict to neighboring countries to return home. Kiir assured that his government is committed to protect them.

But the natives of Magwi have blamed the government for failing to rebuild infrastructures like schools and health centers that were demolished during the violence.