Located about 28 kilometers north of Aweil town, the Wedweil settlement currently hosts thousands of refugees—mostly women and children—who have crossed into South Sudan since fighting broke out in Sudan in April 2023. The camp, initially established that same month, serves as a transit center for new arrivals.
Mohammed Adam, a Sudanese refugee at Wedweil, said between 300 and 350 people continue to cross the border into South Sudan every week.
“We are receiving new arrivals every week—mostly women, children, and young people—because of the ongoing violence in Sudan,” Adam said on Monday during a visit by the Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan.
The ambassador, Roar Haugsdal, was in Aweil for a two-day humanitarian assessment mission aimed at evaluating the current situation and engaging with stakeholders on challenges affecting aid delivery and the welfare of vulnerable populations in the state.
Adam said refugees suffering from chronic illnesses are struggling to access proper medical care due to severe shortages of essential drugs.
“The hospital lacks medicine, especially drugs for children and pregnant mothers. The few drugs available are not enough to meet the demand,” he added.
Another refugee, Sulapa Farah, appealed for greater support to help women and youth rebuild their lives.
“We came from a violent environment, and as women, we need psychological support. We also want young people and women to be empowered with vocational and business skills to become self-reliant,” Farah said.
Ambassador Haugsdal commended the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government for providing land to facilitate the integration of refugees and returnees.
“I want to acknowledge the government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and His Excellency the Governor for making land available to support both refugees and the local population in integrating into the community,” he said.
Peter Kuot Majak, the State Minister of Peace Building, emphasized that the Durable Solutions Project is crucial for reintegrating returnees into their communities.
“The durable solution project provides services and helps integrate returnees into their communities with support such as schools,” Majak explained.
