The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that a deepening global funding crisis is straining humanitarian support for displaced persons and returnees in Unity State, even as the South Sudan government and partners reaffirm their commitment to assist communities affected by floods and conflict.
Amid reduced humanitarian financing, IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels, during her visit to Bentiu and Renk, highlighted growing gaps in the humanitarian response.
She said funding cuts have forced the organization to downsize its operations and scale back some life-saving initiatives, limiting its ability to meet rising needs on the ground.
“There’s a pause on our onward transportation assistance. So, we are doing the best that we can to ensure that services are not cut off,” Daniels said, noting that despite continued efforts, the needs remain overwhelming. “The needs are great. So, what we are very much focused on is sustainability.”
Daniels said the visit underscored both the scale of humanitarian needs and the progress being made toward durable solutions.
While emergency assistance remains critical, particularly for new arrivals and communities facing climate pressures, she stressed the importance of protecting gains already made in recovery and resilience.
She further called on stronger government leadership and sustained peace efforts as the country shifts from aid dependence toward self-reliance.
“What’s most important is reducing the dependency on aid as quickly as possible and enabling people to take care of themselves,” she said. “Self-reliance.”
According to IOM, the recent funding crisis has significantly reduced life-saving support in Bentiu and Renk, reflecting a broader global decline in humanitarian financing.
Daniels emphasized that long-term solutions, including access to land, schools, healthcare, and clean water, must increasingly be led by government institutions.
“Much more is needed. Once people have land, they need schools. They need access to health care. These are responsibilities of the government,” she said, adding that security and sustained peace are the foundation for recovery. “People are tired of war. They do not want ethnic tension.”
Unity State Governor Justice Riek Bim Top Long assured both IOM and communities of the government’s commitment to peace and civilian protection despite ongoing insecurity.
“Peace and protection of civilians remain the highest priority as a governor of this state,” he said.
The governor highlighted ongoing livelihood support through farming, livestock production, vocational training, and market access, while acknowledging challenges caused by flooding and land shortages.
He pointed to World Bank-supported projects focused on land reclamation, drainage systems, and resilient infrastructure as part of the state’s durable solutions roadmap.
Unity State Minister of Information Monica Nyakenya Yohannes Keak Ruai said authorities and partners agreed to strengthen coordination to ensure assistance reaches those most in need, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
The visit, which included delegations from the Norwegian, French, and Netherlands embassies alongside IOM officials, was described as a show of continued international support for peace and recovery in Unity State, even as humanitarian resources continue to shrink.
