The Interior Minister meets with his South Sudanese counterpart

On Thursday, October 17, Interior Minister Major General Khalil Basha Sayrin met with Ms. Angelina Jany Teny, Minister of Interior, and Mr. Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of South Sudan, at the United Nations Palace in Geneva. This meeting took place on the sidelines of their participation in the Executive Committee meetings of the UNHCR's Program of Work.

The ministers highlighted the strong brotherly relations between Sudan and South Sudan, praising the close cooperation at the highest levels between the two countries. They discussed the current situation in Sudan and its impact on both nations, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue in resolving all humanitarian, security, and economic crises.

The Interior Minister meets with his South Sudanese counterpart

During the meeting, Minister Angelina Teny reaffirmed South Sudan's commitment to dialogue between the two countries to resolve conflicts and disasters through peaceful means, noting that her country will continue its efforts to provide lasting solutions. Meanwhile, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Albino Akol Atak, spoke about the dire conditions of refugees and returnees at the border, noting that South Sudan's borders remain open to Sudanese, who are treated equally with returning South Sudanese citizens.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced at border entry points, with 21 points suffering from overcrowding and a lack of essential services, in addition to the impact of floods, which have made it more difficult to transport refugees via land routes. This comes amidst a weak international response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and South Sudan. The ministers emphasized the need for coordination between the two countries to allow humanitarian organizations to enter through Juba to deliver aid.

In conclusion, the ministers reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to continue joint coordination in resolving humanitarian crises and enhancing cooperation in all areas, expressing their hope for continued dialogue and close cooperation to achieve peace and stability in the region.