South Sudan’s Vice President for Infrastructure, Gen. Taban Deng Gai, has called on displaced people sheltering in the Bentiu camp to return to their homes, assuring them of protection.
As of March 2025, the Bentiu IDP camp population was 102,799 individuals (15,436 households), representing a five per cent decrease since October 2024, according to UN data.
The Bentiu IDP camp is one of the largest displacement sites in the country, set up following the outbreak of the country’s brutal civil war to provide shelter and protection to those fleeing the violence.
Speaking at a political rally in Rubkona County on Monday, Deng urged the governor of Unity State to allocate plots to returnees in the state capital, Bentiu.
“The problem that forced you to stay in the Protection of Civilians sites has ended,” Deng said. “I want to tell the people in the camp to return where they came from. Bentiu is your city, and you should not stay in a bad place. Governor, if anyone in the camp needs a plot, please give them one so they can work there.”
Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top encouraged residents to lead peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts, calling it a shared responsibility.
“Peace is paramount. There is nothing more important than it,” Top said. “We must have peace within us and with all our neighbors at all checkpoints.”
However, some displaced people who spoke to Radio Tamazuj expressed reluctance, citing ongoing insecurity and flooding.
“Even myself, I cannot go back home while security is not guaranteed,” said Gatluak Gai, a displaced resident. “The second thing is the flooding in Bentiu.”
Another resident, Nyajime John Jock, said Vice President Taban’s appeal is good but it would only be feasible if security improved.