South Sudanese still in Kenya despite new state
KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP STILL HELD THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF SOUTH SUDANESE REFUGEES, WITH THE FIGURE STANDING AT 6,000
NAIROBI (Xinhua) — Only 15,000 out of the pre- referendum number of over 70,000 South Sudanese remain in Kenya following the birth of their nation.
South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya Michael Majok Ayom Dor said on Tuesday that over three-quarters of South Sudanese returned home in the wake of country’s independence.
Majok said most refugees decided to go back home in order to help in the reconstruction of their country after two decades of civil war against their northern neighbours that saw them flee their country.
“I believe that eventually they will all go back given the changed circumstances of the region,” the Ambassador said in Nairobi.
“For those South Sudanese who feel strongly attached to Kenya, they can take advantage of the clause in our constitution that guarantees dual citizenship and apply and they will receive equal rights like other South Sudanese,” Majok said.
He said Kakuma Refugee Camp in Northern Kenya still held the highest number of South Sudanese refugees, with the figure standing at 6,000 whereas Nakuru and Eldoret towns have a cumulative number of 7,000 refugees, but who were not staying in any camp.
Majok assured Kenyans and other nationalities to South Sudan that their security will be guaranteed, saying there are many opportunities that can be exploited in Africa’s newest state.
“As a new country, we want to build relations with every country, both regionally and internationally and this requires a lot of effort. We invite investors in different fields to venture into South Sudan and take part in the transformation of the country in various fields.”
He assured investors of security from the South Sudan Government while naming road network, power transmission, health services, education, cultural promotion, information technology, housing, and water and wildlife conservation as among the areas where there were awesome opportunities.
“As a responsible government, we will abide by international laws and provide land to investors and make laws promoting investments with no high taxes while providing cash flow opportunities, security and banking services to investors.”
Majok said South Sudan will lean towards COMESA and the East African Community and that the Kiswahili language will be introduced in the country to make it at par with other East African countries as Arabic will be gradually phased out.
The Ambassador said South Sudan needs to be supported to grow and that it was time for nourishment.
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