Returnees fleeing fighting in Sudan arrive in Renk County, Upper Nile State - April 22, 2023 | Photo: Sarah Michael.

South Sudan government has approved at least 5 million United States dollars to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to assist returnees and refugees surging through its northern border with Sudan.

Information Minister Michael Makuei said on Friday one million U.S. dollars was already released by the Office of the President to facilitate resettlement of the civilians fleeing violence in Khartoum and other Sudanese cities.

Makuei said the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Albino Akol Atak, during the regular Council of Ministers meeting, appealed for the remaining 4 million dollars.

He reportedly said the money will be used to transport the displaced civilians from the South Sudan borders to their home areas.

“At present, the needs are very high. So, he (Humanitarian Minister) is appealing for more funds so that they immediately relocate those people who are assembled in these areas,” he told reporters after the cabinet meeting Friday.

“With congestion, there is the likelihood of an outbreak of other diseases which is uncalled for. So, he is requesting the government to release the other 4.3 million dollars so that it can continue with the mission.”

“The cabinet promised to continue to support him and that he should continue to talk to other humanitarian partners so that they render service.”

The United Nations said over 32,000 people mainly South Sudanese citizens have been registered crossing into South Sudan since the outbreak of the fighting in Sudan. The number is reportedly increasing with time.

UN refugee agencies – UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration said the real numbers are likely to be higher as some people entered the country without registration.

On Thursday, the UN agencies said more than 90 percent of those arriving are South Sudanese as well as Sudanese seeking asylum, Eritrean refugees, Kenyan and Somali migrants, and other third-country nationals.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan Van der Auweraert said relief partners have appealed for US $ 96 million to assist the influx of returnees and refugees into South Sudan.