Heglig returnees appeal for urgent aid, hundreds sleep outdoors in Twic

KUAJOK – More than 2000 South Sudanese returnees who recently fled violence around Sudan’s Heglig oil field have appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance after arriving in Twic County in Warrap State, where many are currently sleeping in the open without adequate shelter, food, or basic services.

The returnees, most of whom crossed into South Sudan through Heglig, are now camped at Amol-bang in Ajak-Kuach Payam, while others have moved further to Wunrok Payam. Living conditions in the area remain dire, with families exposed to cold weather and lacking essential household items.

One of the returnees, Ayel Kueth Lual, described the situation as desperate, particularly for children and elderly people. “We came and settled at the payam headquarters, where we sleep in the open. Food is very scarce, and children and the elderly are suffering a lot,” she said.

Kueth noted that exposure to the cold weather has already begun to affect people’s health. “Some are falling sick because of the cold conditions. There is nothing we can do to sustain ourselves. We left everything behind when we fled. All we are appealing for is assistance if help can reach us,” she added.

The Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Twic County, Abraham Yor Nyuol, confirmed the new arrivals, saying the county has so far registered 2,480 returnees living in Ajak-Kuach and Wunrok payams.

“These people came from Heglig and Pan-Akuach after the Rapid Support Forces infiltrated the oil field,” Nyuol said. “Some of them had fled from different parts of Sudan and were waiting for a safe opportunity to return home. When the RSF arrived abruptly, they feared further instability and decided to move deeper into South Sudan.”

According to Nyuol, the county authorities are coordinating with humanitarian partners to respond to the crisis.
“We are engaging organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to verify the returnees and provide support, especially food assistance and non-food items to help them settle,” he said.

The situation in Twic County mirrors similar developments elsewhere in northern South Sudan. Last week, Aweil East County authorities reported receiving a fresh wave of returnees, many of whom are now camping in the open at Majak-Ajuong, prompting renewed calls for humanitarian support.

The growing influx of returnees is placing additional pressure on already overstretched local authorities. While the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has appealed for assistance, limited resources and slow response have left many returnees without immediate support.

For some, reintegration remains a major challenge. Kueth, who has lived in Sudan for more than three decades, said adapting to life in South Sudan is difficult due to cultural and social differences.

“After staying in Sudan for 30 years, I hardly understand the local context here. I have no relatives who can support me,” she said, calling for targeted assistance for long-term returnees with no family ties.