Uncertain return of displaced people in southern Sudan

Western Equatoria is a focal point for Sudanese refugees returning from neighbouring Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Large scale returns may compound the already vulnerable conditions of people who stayed in Sudan. Without greater sensitivity, aid could worsen social divisions.

A report from Ockenden International, UK investigates the impact of return of displaced southern Sudanese, how those who have stayed in Sudan perceive returnees, and the potential conflicts between those who stayed, those who fought in the protracted civil war and those who sought refuge outside of Sudan.

The region’s recent history has been dominated by movement. Fighting for towns garrisoned by the Government of Sudan was particularly destructive and led to the separation of many families. When the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) took over there was relative stability. Yet looting, fear of conscription or abduction by the SPLA, and aerial bombing by the GoS had continued to cause displacement.

The massive extent of population movement complicates attempts to define returnees and those who remained. People’s movements are not one-off, neatly measurable events. A returnee may be an internally displaced person, refugee, combatant or abductee. Although the terms are fluid and of little analytical value, they can be potentially divisive for those categorised into definite groups by relief agencies or government authorities. Ideas of ‘return’ and ‘reintegration’ are far from straightforward when so many are ‘returning’ to a new place.

Only a small proportion of refugees have returned to Sudan. There are many threats to stability:

• Small arms are plentiful and the Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army continue to pose a threat.
• Many resources are in short supply: for instance there are insufficient water sources and as populations rise, growing queues at water points and frustrations between different groups could create conflict.
• Those who fought, who were forced to carry military supplies or who suffered from aerial bombardment are unlikely to welcome those who ‘ran away’, especially if better-educated former refugees receive a disproportionate share of foreign aid.
• Different cultural values of some who grew up in exile and then return may be resented by those who remained in Sudan, causing social divisions.

The return of displaced people inevitably brings about profound changes that are likely to raise tensions as well as opportunities. Perceptions of people who remained, about returnees have not received sufficient attention in academic or policy circles. If people in receiving communities see real benefits of peace then sustainable return and reintegration can be achieved. Ockenden International, UK urges the international community to recognise that return and reintegration of displaced people is a complex, long-term process which requires informed assistance.

In South Sudan and other post-conflict regions it is important to:

• understand the perceptions and needs of those who stayed behind during conflict
• significantly invest in infrastructure
• provide health services and formal and non-formal educational opportunities for all
• remain aware of potential for localised conflicts to flare up and support local authorities and civil society to develop an environment in which peace is sustained
• provide adequate protection for all and ensure that all displaced people are afforded the choice of if and when to return
• give up the idea that ‘return’ means an end to movement: many retain transnational links vital for livelihood strategies.

Source(s):
‘An Uncertain Return: Report on the Current and Potential Impact of Displaced People Returning to Southern Sudan’, Ockenden International, by Jake Phelan and Graham Wood (PDF) Full document.

Funded by: UK Department of International Development

id21 Research Highlight: 23 April 2007

Further Information:
Ockenden International
One Crown Square
Church Street East
Woking
Surrey GU21 6HR
UK

Tel: +44 (0)1483 741316
Fax: +44 (0)1483 793936
Contact the contributor: oi@ockenden.org.uk  

Ockenden International

Jake Phelan

Tel:  
Fax:  
Contact the contributor: jakephelan@hotmail.com

Graham Wood

Tel:  
Fax:  
Contact the contributor: grahamwood333@aol.com

Other related links:
'Refugees and internally displaced people – policy approaches'

'Is the UNHCR doing its job? Combining refugee relief with local development in Africa'

'Refugees as remitters: the Dinka of Sudan'

'Water, livelihoods and resettlement of displaced people: lessons from Eritrea'

id21 displacement links page

Sussex Centre for Migration Research - Defining, measuring and influencing sustainable return: the case of the Balkans [PDF]