South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Refugees in the Wedweil settlement have expressed concerns about inadequate health services and insecurity, despite ongoing humanitarian support for individuals fleeing Sudan.
During a visit by the Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Roar Haugsdal, to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State on Monday, a refugee from the camp, Mohammad Adam, stated that many families are struggling to access basic healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Regardless of the services provided by organisations, there are still challenges. We lack medicine, especially for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers,” Adam said.
“The number of new arrivals continues to increase — about 300 people each week from Sudan — but the services are insufficient. Cases of malnutrition among children and mothers are rising,” he added.
Adam also expressed concerns about safety within the camp.
“There is insecurity here. Thieves are everywhere at night, and the security forces are unable to apprehend them. We call on the government to ensure the safety of the refugees,” he said.
The refugees’ concerns were raised as Ambassador Roar Haugsdal visited Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to assess reintegration efforts for returnees.
However, the State Minister of Peace Building, Peter Kuot Majak, thanked Norway and its partners for their ongoing support. “We appreciate the Government of Norway and all partners for aiding refugees with sustainable solutions — providing schools, health services, and water, while assisting returnees in reintegrating into their communities,” said Minister Kuot.
Ambassador Roar Haugsdal commended the collaboration between state authorities and humanitarian organisations.
“The aim of the support is to ensure that South Sudanese people returning from Sudan are successfully integrated into their communities. What we are witnessing here today is a testament to the excellent work being done by both the organisations and the government,” he said.
The visit highlights both the achievements and the ongoing challenges faced by returnees and refugees in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, as humanitarian agencies and the government strive to strengthen reintegration and community support.
