South Sudan Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has appealed for assistance for Sudanese refugees, expressing concerns about the potential impact on neighbouring nations due to the ongoing war.
Akol stated, “You know that the conflict in Sudan has entered more than five months since it started, and it has not started despite the efforts of the region and the international community.”
The conflict, involving the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in the displacement of over 5 million people since mid-April.
Akol emphasized that the majority of Sudanese in refugee settlements across various states did not choose to leave the country but fled the conflict seeking safety.
“You all know war and how it affects people, and this is why His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has made the issue of Sudan a priority to present each time he meets foreign dignitaries. He does so because peace in Sudan means in South Sudan. It means the resumption of the movement of goods and people. It means stability. It represents hope and viability of trade.” He said.
The Vice President appealed to South Sudanese business communities and those in the diaspora to mobilize support for Sudanese professionals in the country.
Akol has been meeting with Sudanese professionals recently, assuring them of support from the Juba government led by President Kiir.