The UN Refugee Agency has set up an office in Nyinyang, Ethiopia, to support the Leitchuor refugee camp and facilitate the safe crossing of South Sudanese refugees coming from Jonglei state.

In an article on its website, the UN agency stated that it used helicopter flights to bring telecommunications equipment to set up an office in Nyinyang. The helicopter also brought food, medicine and technical equipment for registration exercises.

Located in the Gambella region, the Leitchuor refugee camp opened in mid-January, and Kule refugee camp opened in late February.

Many refugees trekking through Jonglei pass through Akobo en route to Ethiopia. They typically take a 15-hour boat ride along the Baro River before arriving at Burubiey dock in Ethiopia.

From the Burubiey crossing they head by bus to their next destination. Since 29 April most are being taken to Kule camp after the Leitchuor camp reached its full capacity.

Others who are considered too weak or vulnerable to make this long journey are flown by helicopter directly from Akobo to a hospital at Leitchuor refugee camp, and onward to Kule II camp.

According to an article written by UNHCR worker Luiz Fernando Godinho in Akobo, Ethiopia, this helicopter operation started at the end of March and currently operates five flights per week.

“UNHCR is seeking authorization from the Ethiopian authorities to expand the operation to other locations, in a region where refugees are arriving in very remote areas with little if no infrastructure,” wrote Fernando Godinho.

The helicopter brings those who are suffering from ill health and malnutrition owing to their days and weeks on the road, according to the UN relief worker.

Nyabang Gut, for example, arrived with her four children in Akobo, South Sudan, after fleeing from Malakal. They came also with her aunt, whose husband was killed in the conflict.

The family had made an eight-day trek on foot in order to reach Akobo. Her youngest child Nerek suffers from severe hydrocephaly – an abnormal brain condition that causes enlargement of the head, as well as convulsions, tunnel vision, and mental disability.

Nyabang herself also suffered a bullet wound to her ankle, which makes it uncomfortable for her to walk.

According to the report by the UNHCR official, the UN helicopters are being used to help families like Nyabang’s avoid yet another arduous stage to their long journey.

"We feel good and relieved, as we are not fleeing again. We feel secure," Nyamach was quoted as saying after boarding the helicopter to take her to the refugee camp in Ethiopia.

Photo: A UNHCR staff member helps a woman into a seat on a chartered-helicopter (UNHCR / Luiz Fernando Godinho)

FORUM: Today our followers on Facebook join discussions about SPLA and about the proposal for federalism in South Sudan.