Humanitarian Affairs Minister Albino Akol Atak shakes hands with South Sudan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Kuol Nyok Kuol, during a meeting. Courtesy photo.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Albino Akol Atak, has pledged to work with humanitarian and development partners to mobilize resources for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of South Sudanese nationals.

Minister Akol made the pledge on Wednesday following a meeting with South Sudan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Kuol Nyok Kuol.

The meeting discussed the challenges facing South Sudanese in Egypt, including arrests, deportations, unemployment, and the humanitarian situation of those who fled the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

Ambassador Kuol also briefed the minister on the embassy’s ongoing registration of South Sudanese wishing to return home voluntarily and its coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to expand the Voluntary Humanitarian Return Programme.

Following the meeting, Minister Akol stressed the need for continued engagement with the Egyptian government to address the challenges facing the South Sudanese community.

Thousands of South Sudanese sought refuge in Egypt after conflict erupted in neighbouring Sudan in April 2023.

Many continue to face economic hardship, legal challenges, and limited access to services while awaiting durable solutions, including voluntary return to South Sudan.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the agency has been supporting voluntary humanitarian return for South Sudanese wishing to return home, while many continue to face challenges, including unemployment, legal documentation issues, and humanitarian needs.