South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
More than 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Wau town of Western Bahr El Ghazal State have voluntarily decided to return to their homes.
Their return to Jur River and Raja Counties was facilitated by the U.N International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The IDPs who were sheltering at Naivasha and Hai Masna Biira Protection of Civilian Site made the decision after the security situation improved in their areas.
IOM initiated a project called Durable Solutions Project to help IDPs who wish to voluntarily return to their home communities after years spent living in camps due to conflict.
The project funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers hope for a different future.
Gregoire Goodstein, IOM South Sudan Acting Chief of Mission said the project empowers IDPs in Naivasha and Hai Masna camps to choose their own path, including returning home, integrating locally, or relocating elsewhere.
“This project helps IDPs make informed decisions about their future,” Goodstein said in a statement seen by The Dawn on Thursday.
“It was designed to aid the implementation of a road map prepared by the Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State to support the populations to end their displacement situation.”
He said that IOM works alongside various partners in this initiative, including UN agencies, humanitarian groups, and state and community to help the IDPs.
“We hope this project becomes a model for other regions across South Sudan, showcasing how to transition from humanitarian aid to long-term sustainable development,” Goodstein said.
Damiano Peter, an IDP who opted to return home after years in Naivasha camp, expressed his gratitude to IOM for aiding his return.
“I have been staying here since 2016 when war broke out in Wau. Now time has come for me to leave the camp, I am excited to start my life anew,” Peter said.
“The support IOM has given me will enable me to start a small-scale business to continue providing for my family,” he added.
Masna Biira Protection of Civilian Site was established by the UN agencies in 2016 following the outbreak of violence in Wau town, forcing residents to flee their homes.
Since its establishment, the camp has hosted 11,000 IDPs.
However, currently only around 3,000 IDPs remain at the site due to recent stability in the security situation.
