Juba – The International Organization for Migration, (IOM) Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa, Mohammed Abdiker says the organization is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to displaced and host communities in South Sudan but added that it is time to shift towards transition, recovery and development.

IOM’s Abdiker concluded his first official visit to South Sudan as Regional Director on Friday (25/6) during which he met with government officials, donors, and the United Nations Country Team. He also visited Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal to assess IOM’s humanitarian and developmental activities where he met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in the Naivasha IDPs camp, as well as returnees. 

“During my visit, I met with men, women and children many of whom continue to rely on life-saving humanitarian assistance. I also met with others, who have shown great resilience despite the many challenges they have faced,” said Mr. Abdiker.

“We must then rethink how we can continue to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance with a shift towards transition and recovery interventions to foster effective, sustainable recovery and development in South Sudan,” he added.

Abdiker reiterated IOM’s commitment to continue to support and work with the people of South Sudan, particularly women, youth, and person’s living with disabilities, stressing the need to strengthen efforts in providing psychosocial support, trauma healing and vocational training.

“Unemployment in South Sudan like in other parts of the region remains a major concern. IOM is committed to continue upskilling young people in different vocations to help tackle unemployment and create hope,” said Mohammed Abdiker.

It is now 10 years since South Sudan gained independence. 

Despite progress made in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement signed in 2018, much work remains to be done. Localised and subnational conflict remains a concern as it hinders humanitarian and development work.

“I am encouraged by the progress that has been made in the implementation of the peace agreement; however, I am deeply concerned by pockets of insecurity which has led to displacements in parts of the country. I am also concerned by the killing and acts of violence against humanitarians, majority of whom are South Sudanese, who have dedicated their lives to helping their people,” said IOMs Abdiker.