The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced agencies and governments are developing a durable solutions strategy to support displacement-affected communities in the region.
Central Equatoria is witnessing a high number of returns of internally displaced people and refugees.
The IOM gathered over 70 key stakeholders from the local government, community representatives, civil society organizations, security forces, religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations in Yei.
During the workshop, the participants outlined the current challenges for displacement-affected communities in Yei River County and identified possible solutions.
Imme Widdershoven, IOM Programme Officer says these returns signify that the current situation requires a shift in programming from a humanitarian level of intervention to a recovery-oriented one.
“Durable solutions require a long-term approach. Humanitarian needs can be prevented by planning for self-reliance and resilience of both displaced people and the communities that receive them,” he said.
A South Sudanese refugee from Uganda, Winnie Lado, says she preferred to return home despite the challenges.
“It is better to be home in South Sudan than to be a refugee. However, coming back, we are still facing challenges. For instance, many of us do not have access to land for farming. This makes it difficult to earn an income, whereas basic goods and services, such as food and water, are expensive,” Winnie said.
Yei County commissioner, Hon Aggrey Cyrus Kanyi, applauded IOM for supporting and spearheading the two-day workshop that helped identify viable pathways and steps to help in sustainable solutions for returnees and IDPs.
“The Yei River County population has increased significantly because of a high number of returns and IDPs. This number is estimated to go up steeply in 2024.
“This is putting pressure on the country’s resources. We need to find a way forward together, with the communities at the center. Solutions need to come from the people, not us politicians,” said Hon Agrrey Kanyi during the workshop.
According to the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), returns in Central Equatoria state have been driven by the reduction of aid in neighboring countries and the worsening humanitarian situation across South Sudan.