Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Severe reductions in humanitarian funding have forced most aid organizations to withdraw from the Bulukat Transit Center in Malakal, leaving only one health partner operating at the site, according to an official.
Juma Arubol, Chairman of the Bulukat Transit Center Taskforce, said the funding shortfall has disrupted essential services and worsened conditions for thousands of refugees and returnees passing through the center.
“Bulukat Transit Center was established in mid-2023 by the government of Upper Nile State in collaboration with UNHCR and IOM,” Arubol explained.
“The purpose of the center is to provide life-saving assistance to refugees and returnees displaced by the Sudan crisis during the transit from Renk to Malakal until they reach their final destination. People stay here for up to seven days to receive shelter, food, water, health care, protection services, and support for vulnerable groups, including children and survivors of gender-based violence.”
Since its establishment, the center has assisted more than 223,000 people, including over 11,000 refugees. UNHCR has also built 12 permanent shelters accommodating up to 144 households, shared between returnees and refugees.
However, Arubol warned that the withdrawal of aid agencies due to funding cuts has created significant service gaps. “Most NGOs operating here left Bulukat because of funding cuts,” he said.
“Now only the International Medical Corps remains, providing health services with limited staff and no night or weekend coverage. This makes emergency response increasingly difficult, especially for children and other vulnerable groups arriving from Renk.”
Arubol added that about 220 individuals destined for the Sobat and Panga corridors remain stranded at the center due to insecurity along the routes.
“Transportation to the Sobat Corridor, including areas like Nasir and Ulang, has been suspended because of insecurity. These people are currently with us, waiting for safe passage,” he said.
He appealed for renewed donor support to sustain operations at Bulukat and ensure the continued delivery of humanitarian assistance.
“We need urgent assistance to maintain essential services and help people rebuild their lives with dignity,” Arubol said.
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