Statement by Biar Akol Cham, Spokesperson of the Patriotic People’s Party (PPP) and Member of the General Secretariat, National Parties Alliance (NPA)
On the Proposed Relocation of Palestinians to South Sudan
The Patriotic People’s Party (PPP), in solidarity with the National Parties Alliance (NPA), stands firmly with the people of South Sudan in addressing the pressing concerns surrounding the rumored relocation of Palestinian populations to our nation. As a party committed to the welfare, dignity, and sovereignty of the South Sudanese people, we call upon the government to prioritize the urgent repatriation and rehabilitation of our citizens who remain stranded in refugee camps across neighboring countries such as Chad, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda.
For decades, thousands of South Sudanese have endured unimaginable hardships as refugees, many of whom were born outside their ancestral homeland and have been severed from their cultural roots. These individuals, displaced by conflict and systemic challenges, face dire circumstances, including reduced food rations from the United Nations, lack of access to arable land for subsistence farming, and limited opportunities for education and employment. In host countries, bureaucratic barriers, such as the requirement for national identification documents, further marginalize our people, preventing them from securing livelihoods or establishing businesses. The trauma of displacement, compounded by narratives of historical conflicts and racial discrimination, particularly against Arab populations, has left deep scars that demand urgent attention.
The PPP and NPA assert that the government’s foremost responsibility is to facilitate the safe and dignified return of South Sudanese refugees. This process must include the allocation of land to returnees, comprehensive rehabilitation programs to address the psychological and social traumas they have endured, and initiatives to foster their reintegration into society. Only when these fundamental obligations to our citizens are fulfilled can the government consider hosting foreign populations, such as Palestinians, in a manner that ensures harmony and mutual respect.
The persistent insecurity in South Sudan is a direct consequence of systemic poverty, which stems from the mismanagement of national resources. The failure to invest in critical infrastructure, industries, and employment opportunities, particularly for our youth, perpetuates a cycle of instability. The PPP and NPA urge the government to redirect its efforts toward building sustainable economic systems that empower our people and address the root causes of unrest.
Regarding the alleged proposal to relocate Palestinians to South Sudan, we note with concern the government’s initial denial of such plans. History has shown a troubling pattern where official denials are later followed by admissions once public dissent is subdued or circumvented. The PPP and NPA call for transparency, accountability, and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that any decisions affecting our nation’s demographic and social fabric are made in the best interest of the South Sudanese people.
We stand united with our citizens in demanding that the government prioritize the repatriation and empowerment of South Sudanese refugees before contemplating external resettlement initiatives. The path to national stability and prosperity lies in addressing the needs of our people first, fostering unity, and building a resilient economy that uplifts all South Sudanese.
Biar Akol Cham
Spokesperson, Patriotic People’s Party (PPP)
Member of the General Secretariat, National Parties Alliance (NPA)
