Mass Deportations from Sudan Add Pressure on South Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

(Photo Credit: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja / File)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

Thousands of South Sudanese nationals have reportedly been deported from Sudan over the past year amid allegations of human rights abuses, including family separations, arbitrary detention, confiscation of property, and verbal harassment, according to a recent report.

The report by The New Humanitarian said humanitarian workers are aware of nearly 12,000 deportation cases, a figure significantly higher than the numbers publicly cited by Sudanese authorities.

Several deportees interviewed at transit centers in northern South Sudan described difficult experiences during the deportation process. Some claimed they were subjected to discriminatory language and forced removal from homes where they had lived for many years.

One returnee, Theresa Achol, a mother of six, said she had lived in Sudan for 14 years before being expelled last year. She alleged that some of her family members were killed during security operations and said she was not allowed to carry personal belongings back to South Sudan.

The deportations are taking place as Sudan’s conflict enters its fourth year. Fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces has displaced millions of people and created a severe humanitarian crisis across the region.

According to the report, some South Sudanese were accused by authorities of supporting the Rapid Support Forces after the Sudanese Armed Forces regained control of parts of Khartoum and other towns. Deportees, however, denied supporting armed groups and said many remained in those areas because they lacked the resources to leave. Some also said they possessed valid residence permits at the time of arrest.

Sudanese authorities defended the deportations, stating that individuals residing illegally in the country are subject to removal under national laws. Officials said the deportation process respects legal and international standards.

The growing number of deportees is adding pressure to South Sudan, which has already received hundreds of thousands of returnees and refugees since the conflict in Sudan began in April 2023. More than 900,000 South Sudanese returnees have crossed back into the country since the outbreak of war.

South Sudan itself continues to face significant humanitarian and economic challenges, including displacement caused by insecurity in several parts of the country.

South Sudanese authorities previously confirmed receiving deportees through border entry points in Renk, with humanitarian organizations providing registration and reintegration support.