After more than a decade of displacement caused by South Sudan’s brutal civil war, families from the Hai Matar community in Upper Nile State have begun to return home — marking a hopeful chapter in the country’s long path to recovery.
The returnees, many of whom fled to United Nations Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites during the 2013 conflict, are now settling into 128 newly constructed shelters, provided with the support of humanitarian organizations. Among the new residents are also South Sudanese who had sought refuge in Sudan and have returned in recent months to escape the escalating conflict across the border.
“I’m overjoyed to be back with my children,” said Mary Aban Akon, one of the many returnees. “The house built for us means everything, and the presence of police patrolling at night has made us feel safe again.”
The return marks a significant milestone for a community that had been scattered for over 12 years. Local authorities have deployed police units to ensure safety and are closely monitoring the process to address potential disputes over land ownership as families reclaim their ancestral homes.
Despite the welcome return, challenges remain. Access to clean water, healthcare, and education continues to be limited in Hai Matar and surrounding areas. Humanitarian agencies and local leaders are calling for increased support to sustain long-term resettlement and development.
As peace efforts continue across South Sudan, the return of Hai Matar’s residents stands as a testament to resilience — and a signal that communities are ready to rebuild what was lost.