Government receives 6 trucks from China loaded with tents for refugees

By Benjamin Takpiny

The transitional government on Thursday received 6 trucks from the Chinese government loaded with tents for refugees and returnees from Sudan.

The National Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak said that trucks are containing 26,145 pieces of tents, adding that the remaining trucks containing other items will soon arrive.

“today, 28th December 2023, we are now witnessing the offloading and arrival of the  35 trucks, that are now carrying 26,145 pieces of tents that have been donated by the government and people of China to the government and people of the Republic of South Sudan we are now offloading six trucks as part of 35 trucks,” said Akol while briefing journalists at the donation site in Juba.

He said that some 20 trucks are already at the Nimule border near Uganda.

“This has been a generous donation by the government of China to the people of South Sudan and is a result of our engagement with the international community and donors for them to help the government and to support the efforts of government of South Sudan in its response to the influx of refugees and returnees that have come as the result of conflict in Sudan South Sudan is currently hosting more than 460,000 people including returnees and refugees who fled fighting in neighboring Sudan since April 15 2023.

“These people need everything including shelter, food items, medication during their stay in the transit sites, and when they are moved to their final destination. Up to now with our partners we have transported more than 170,000 people to their final destination and in their final destination, they will continue needing all these services,” said Akol.

 He said the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management is continuing to lobby for support for refugees from the international community.

“This donation will be used to shelter these returnees and refugees that are coming from Sudan, some will be taken to where they are now being received in transit sites around the country, and some will be taken to their final destination,” said Akol.

He disclosed that more support including food will be provided by the Chinese government.

Akol said that the total amount of the items from China will cost about 1.4 million U.S. dollars.

 “On behalf of Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, I really extend special thanks and appreciation to the government and people of China for this generous support that they are actually extending to us when we are in need, this confirms that China is a true friend to South Sudan, when we have a problem they come to support our people,” he said.

 “On behalf of the ministry and the Relief Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), we thank the government of China for this support and we promise that we will use this support to reach the needy people in a transparent and accountable manner,” said Akol.

 Akol added that the support comes at the critical moment when thousands of returnees and refugees are stranded in transit areas without shelter, food and medication.

 The Chinese Embassy in Juba confirmed to The Dawn that 35 containers containing 2,6080 packages and 8808 tents will be provided to the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management.

“The Chinese Embassy plans to hold a handover ceremony of the Chinese donation with the South Sudan Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in mid-January next year,” said a statement issued by the Embassy.

It added that food assistance is being prepared and is expected to arrive soon in Juba.