Over 2,000 Returnees from Uganda and DR Congo Reintegrate into Communities in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – More than two thousand South Sudanese returnees from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have voluntarily reintegrated into local communities in Yei River County over the past six months, according to local authorities.

Speaking to Access Radio on Friday, Moses Mabe, the Coordinator of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Yei River County, said the returnees have been arriving steadily after facing increasingly difficult humanitarian conditions in refugee camps in the neighboring countries.

Mabe explained that many returnees opted to come home due to declining support in the camps, including challenges accessing farmland and other basic services.

“We have recorded more than 2,000 returnees over the last six months. Many are coming back voluntarily because of the difficult living conditions in the camps. The people of Yei have been very welcoming, and we encourage the returnees to engage in agriculture to support their livelihoods,” Mabe said.

Despite the growing number of returnees, Mabe acknowledged that limited funding and resource constraints have made it difficult for local authorities to provide adequate assistance.

He noted that many returnee families are currently relying on support from host communities as they work to rebuild their lives.

“The county government lacks sufficient resources to provide direct assistance to all returnees, but we encourage them to utilize available land and participate in agriculture to sustain themselves and their families,” he added.

Mabe commended the hospitality shown by residents of Yei, saying community support has played a vital role in helping returnees settle and integrate peacefully.

Thousands of residents fled Yei River County to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the height of the conflict in 2016. The recent influx of returnees is being viewed as a positive sign of renewed confidence and stability in the area.

Local authorities and humanitarian agencies continue to call for increased support to help returning families access essential services, livelihood opportunities and long-term reintegration assistance.