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Millions have been displaced by conflict in south Sudan. Nearly half have returned in an attempt to rebuild their lives after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in 2005. People are finding their home areas have minimal basic services to cope with reintegrating the large numbers of returnees. Further conflicts between north and south Sudan, and internal fighting within south Sudan, have displaced many people again. The following are personal stories of south Sudanese people who have been displaced, as well as people who have returned to their homes, and the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.
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Displaced from Abyei: After hearing firing in the market, Margaret fled. She lost part of her family in the bush. It took two weeks to be reunited.
Displaced from Abyei: Sophia fled with her children and blind mother to Agok. There, she received plastic sheeting, some cooking utensils and food for a month.Displaced from Abyei: Christina talked about the lack of basic services. “There is no water and electricity; there are no roads, no schools, no hospitals” she said.
Returns to Abyei: Ayak was displaced for 22 years. "The main concern here is the Border Demarcation and the CPA, which needs to be implemented,” she said.
Returns to Jonglei: At least 100 students are crammed into an overcrowded classroom with just a blackboard and chalk. There are no desks or learning materials.
Returns to Jonglei: Rebecca lives in fear of child abductions. Her neighbor’s children were taken during an attack by another tribe. Professional policing is needed to promote stability.
Returns to Jonglei: John is a farmer, but his village experiences flooding. He does not have tools appropriate for the climate and needs a tractor for his land.