Speaking to Sudans Post from the Aweil West-based camp this week, Zina Malesi Bayena, a female refugee, highlighted the severe shortage of food and essential supplies, which complicates their stay in the camp.
According to Bayena, the most urgent issues include food scarcity and inadequate healthcare. Many refugees fall ill, but the camp’s medical facility offers substandard services, exacerbated by the unfamiliar environment.
Ms. Bayena shared the emotional toll, explaining that many refugees, including herself, were separated from family members during the war in Sudan’s conflict in Khartoum and other states, leaving her unaware of her husband’s whereabouts.
“If international organisations could help us find the loved ones we separated from, it would be good. As of now, most of us here in the camp are hearing rumours of some people who have lost their loved ones back home, while others do not know where their families are,” she noted.
Bayena also raised concerns about rising theft in Block 11, causing widespread anxiety among residents, particularly newer arrivals lacking proper shelters.
“Some criminal men come at night and attack us. Two weeks ago, about three people were robbed of their belongings in the camp. They ran away with plastic sheets and other valuables they found at home,” she said.
“Another concerning issue is the lack of proper shelters. During this rainy season, snakes and scorpions are our biggest fears. People step on them, and it’s a constant worry. Sleeping on the floor at night makes it too bad,” said Bayena.
Refugees have raised these issues with the camp leader, who promised to alert humanitarian organisations to relocate the camp to higher ground, as the current site is prone to flooding due to its waterlogged terrain.
Demeke Dable Dana, a male refugee who arrived two months ago from Abyei, described the insufficient food rations. “I lost everything since I came here, and it’s hard to survive this way. We need them to increase the food ratio,” he said.
An unauthorised staff member from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission at Wadwell told journalists they are sharing information with international organisations and UN agencies to improve the refugees’ situation.
Many refugees recounted horrific experiences in Sudan and expressed a desire to remain in South Sudan, provided their living conditions are improved. Some noted that wealthier refugees, supported by relatives overseas, receive funds to relocate to countries like Kenya or Uganda for asylum, often travelling via Aweil town to Juba by road.
