Hon. Sarah Cleto, Governor of Western Bahr el ghazal state during a talk show - Jan. 17, 2024 - Eye Radio/Lou Nelson

The governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal has said the influx of returnees and refugees from neighbouring Sudan to the state has now reached 50,000.

They have fled the conflict in Sudan that erupted in April last year.

Sarah Cleto Rial said there are daily arrivals via Renk and Malakal, adding that about 15 families arrive at Raja every day.

She said most of the returnees first arrive in Raja County before proceeding to Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warap states.

Cleto said some UN agencies and non-governmental organizations are supporting the returnees and refugees with humanitarian assistance.

“There is a huge influx of returnees and refugees [from Sudan], especially in the Raja area, and it is not stopping, it is increasing every day,” said Governor Cleto.

“In Raja you will find at least 15 families arriving daily, in Boro Medina, we are also receiving returnees and refugees in the Seeram Laga area, in Firga and Timsah, and even within Raja, some people come and proceed,” she said.

“The number of returnees and refugees in Western Bahr el Ghazal is about 50,000, and we don’t have any base.

“There are NGOs, also UN agencies, UNHCR and the IOM they are giving help here and there, and there is a request now to establish refugee [centre] in Boro Medina.”