Ethiopian refugees in South Sudan call for repatriation of elderly people

JUBA – Ethiopian refugees in South Sudan are calling on the government to repatriate elderly people to their country of origin.

Ojullu Ochan Ochan, Chairperson for Gorum Refugee Settlement, said the elderly persons need help to return home.

“We are looking for repatriation for elderly who are requesting our office and we have shared this with Commission for Refugee Affairs and UNHCR to be repatriated to their country,” Ochan said during a visit by a high-level delegation to Gorum camp on the outskirt of Juba on Friday.

The high-level delegation comprised Minister of Interior, Mahmoud Solomon Agook, UN Refugee Agency Deputy Representative, Juliette Murekeyisoni, and Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, Lt. Gen. Bol John Akot.

Ochan called on the government to grant citizenship to Ethiopian refugees who are willing to be integrated into South Sudanese communities.

“We also ask your office to come and interview, maybe there will be some people who are willing to be integrated into this society in order to become citizens of this country,” he said.

He called on the government of South Sudan to support the Federal Government of Ethiopia to achieve durable peace in order to create safe and secure conditions for the return of refugees.

“We are looking for duration solutions for our living because our country Ethiopia as you all knows is under serious threat in the northern region of Tigray,” he said.

Mahmoud Solomon Agook, Minister of Interior said the government will coordinate with relevant authorities to facilitate the safe return of Ethiopian refugee homes.

“I heard that there are some people who want to be repatriated, it is their right. If they are ready to go back home, we don’t have any objection. We will try to coordinate with relevant authorities to facilitate your return home safely,” Agook said.

Gorum Refugee Settlement established in October 2010 hosts 4,000 refugees from Ethiopia, Sudan, and Congo.