MASS MOVEMENT OF REFUGEES AND RETURNEES FROM CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC INTO SOUTH SUDAN
The refugees and returnees have been arriving in RiiYubu Payam, Tombura county Western Equatoria State from Bambouti.
Ave Maria Catholic Parish and St. Thomas Catholic Parish which is under the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) has been experiencing mass arrival of refugees and South Sudanese returnees who fled South Sudan during the recent war to seek refuge in the neighboring country .The refugees and returnees have been arriving in RiiYubu Payam, Tombura county Western Equatoria State from Bambouti. Bombouti is a small town in Central African Republic which is three miles away from the South Sudan border, the town has been under the control of Seleka Rebels and the rebel group has been fighting the Central African government for years now. The group has been under constant attack by unknown armed group and the recent attack was on 8th of November which left a number of unconfirmed causalities. The constant attacks has grown fear among the local population, the insecurity in this town has made many people flee across the border into South Sudan.
Authorities in RiiYubu, Tombura County confirmed the presence of refugees and returnees in the area to local Medias but there has been no report on any humanitarian support given to them.
The refugees and returnees lack basic human needs; most of them are spending the nights in the cold and under trees. Father Albert Salvans a member of Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle’s and who also takes care of the two Parishes saw the dire need of the refugees and returnees who are camped at Navuru area in RiiYubu and moved in to help by giving out some items which were collected in the parishes.
The government of South Sudan and some humanitarian organizations including UNHCR have not yet given any official number of the refugees and returnees who crossed over into South Sudan.
By: Elias Ginana Mangbondo
