Returnees arrive at Juba International Airport on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following the repatriation of 30 South Sudanese nationals from Egypt. | Photo: Courtesy

Thirty South Sudanese nationals arrived at Juba International Airport on Saturday following a successful repatriation initiative led by First Lady Mama Mary Ayen Mayardit.

The returnees—comprising men, women, and children—were airlifted from Egypt after facing severe immigration and documentation challenges, with several having experienced detention.

Many had fled South Sudan during the recent Sudan crisis but subsequently encountered legal hurdles due to a lack of proper travel documents.

Speaking to journalists upon the group’s arrival, Naomi Adhiew Mawan, Executive Director in the Office of the First Lady, confirmed that travel expenses were fully covered by the First Lady and announced that airlift operations will proceed on a weekly schedule.

“We welcome the first group of our South Sudanese brothers, sisters, women and children returning home from Egypt,” Mawan said. “We are grateful to Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of South Sudan, Mama Mary Ayen Mayardit, for supporting their return and covering their travel expenses. This is the first group and the process will continue every week until more of our people are brought safely back home.”

The flight marks the initial phase of a broader government plan announced on July 30 to voluntarily repatriate up to 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese nationals from Egypt, prioritizing women, children, youth, and individuals in detention.