Profile| A convoy of South Sudanese returning to Manyo from war-torn Sudan's White Nile State|Photo|Courtesy

The Government of South Sudan has confirmed that 12 of its citizens were killed and 40 others injured in a road accident in Sudan’s White Nile State, following a collision between two passenger buses.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was sadly informed about the tragic road incident involving South Sudanese citizens in the Republic of Sudan,” the ministry said in a press release issued on Thursday.

The accident occurred on January 7, 2026, in Duweim city, when two passenger buses collided on the road. According to the statement, one of the buses was transporting South Sudanese returnees who were on their way back to South Sudan.

“The incident tragically claimed the life of 12 South Sudanese nationals and injured 40 others,” the ministry said.

The government also expressed concern that it had not been informed in advance about the movement of a large number of its citizens across the border.

“The Government of South Sudan was unaware of transportation of large number of South Sudanese nationals from Sudan to South Sudan,” the statement said, adding that it “once again expressed its desire for better coordination in the future between Sudanese and South Sudanese governments regarding repatriation of refugees.”

On behalf of the government, the ministry conveyed condolences to the affected families. “The Ministry… expresses its deepest condolence to the families of the deceased and wishes quick recovery to the injured,” the statement said.

The ministry further noted that authorities are closely following developments related to the incident.

“The Ministry affirms close monitoring of the situation through South Sudan Embassy in Port Sudan and Sudanese Government to ensure all necessary measures are undertaken in support of the victims and their families,” the statement said.