JUBA/KINSHASA (Reuters) - The last remaining group of South Sudanese rebels who had been in exile in Democratic Republic of Congo have left to return home or third country destinations, a rebel spokesman and the United Nations said on Thursday.
A relapse into war in July 2016 between forces of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to a flight of rebels from the capital Juba. Hundreds fled to the jungles of neighbouring Congo where they sought out the protection of United Nations peacekeepers.
Last month, however, the warring sides signed another peace deal that is expected to end the fighting and return a measure of order and security to Africa’s youngest nation.
A rebel spokesman and the United Nations said the exiles had over several months been repatriated to South Sudan or moved to neighbouring states including Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan.
The rebels stayed in a U.N. camp in Congo’s southeastern city of Goma on the border with Rwanda.
“Today the last 12 remaining members left the camp for several destinations including South Sudan,” said Florence Marchal, spokesman for the U.N. mission in Congo MONUSCO.
The 12 were among a total of 744 rebels who fled to Congo and eventually sought U.N. protection.
War erupted in South Sudan in 2013, triggered by a political disagreement between Kiir and Machar. A peace pact in 2015 briefly halted the violence before mutual suspicions sparked renewed fighting the following year.
Additional Reporting by Sabiti Djaffar in Goma; writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Mark Heinrich
Newer articles:
- Women and the Future of South Sudan: Local Insights for Building Inclusive Constituencies for Peace - 06/10/2018 01:20
- Sudan, S. Sudan agree to establish buffer zone, open border crossings - 06/10/2018 01:09
- IOM Supports South Sudan in Developing Its First Migration Policy - 05/10/2018 09:18
- Presence of Darfur rebels in South Sudan has declined: UN official - 04/10/2018 23:48
- South Sudan establishes Rota sentinel surveillance to determine the extent of Rotavirus infection among children with acute diahorrea - 04/10/2018 17:10
Older news items
- South Sudan frees 20 political detainees - 04/10/2018 09:21
- She bears witness to South Sudan's turbulence, one headline at a time - 04/10/2018 08:43
- South Sudan: Peace via Oil – How hydrocarbons are fueling reconciliation - 04/10/2018 07:45
- South Sudan: The Final Peace Deal - 04/10/2018 03:20
- POCUS: Bringing the revolutionary potential of ultrasound to South Sudan - 03/10/2018 19:55
Latest news items (all categories):
- The power struggles among South Sudan’s political leaders are the direct cause of its ongoing conflict - 11/07/2026 14:03
- Celebrating Independence In The Midst Of Sorrow - 11/07/2026 13:41
- South Sudan resumes oil-backed financing - 11/07/2026 13:33
- Press statement: Strive For National Unity In Honor Of South Sudan's Independence - 10/07/2026 21:23
- Fifteen years of independence for South Sudan, but still little to celebrate - 10/07/2026 21:23
Random articles (all categories):
- South Sudan: Sshursa Condemns Shutdown of Good News Radio - Calls On National Government to Reverse the Lakes State's Govt Decision - 04/07/2013 05:22
- South Sudan President Kiir moves to stop Arab-backed initiative to split new state - 29/04/2013 19:00
- دعم الجزائر ثابت لسيادة جنوب السودان ووحدته - 16/02/2026 11:38
- South Sudan coronavirus cases pass 1,000 - 02/06/2020 14:33
- South Sudan’s oil sector needs to become more transparent - 04/02/2022 01:01
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 147792 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 27849 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 24938 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 24258 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 22173 times
