JUBA, South Sudan — The South Sudan government says it is strengthening coordination with humanitarian and development partners to address the needs of internally displaced people and flood-affected communities, with a focus on preparedness, livelihood recovery and durable solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the caretaker Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Kuyok Abol Kuyok, the caretaker Minister of General Education and Instruction, said the government remained committed to protecting people affected by displacement and recurring environmental shocks.
Kuyok made the remarks during a high-level ministerial ad hoc committee meeting held in collaboration with United Nations agencies on Thursday to discuss durable solutions for internally displaced people in Bentiu, Unity State.
He said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management was working with relevant government institutions and humanitarian partners to coordinate emergency assistance, including food, shelter, healthcare, clean water, sanitation and protection services, depending on available resources and operational access.
The minister said the government was also strengthening coordination among national and state institutions, local authorities, humanitarian organizations and affected communities to improve needs assessments, response planning and aid delivery.
He emphasized that the government’s response must go beyond emergency relief to address the underlying causes of vulnerability and help displaced families rebuild their lives.
“The humanitarian situation in South Sudan, especially in Unity State, calls for urgent action, stronger partnerships and a shift from repeated emergency response towards preparedness, resilience and sustainable recovery,” Kuyok said.
Government identifies key challenges
Kuyok identified recurrent flooding, limited financial resources, poor infrastructure, logistical constraints and livelihood losses as major challenges affecting humanitarian operations.
He said repeated flooding continues to destroy homes, roads, agricultural land and other essential infrastructure, undermining gains made through previous humanitarian interventions.
The minister called for increased investment in drainage systems, raised roads, flood-protection structures, safe shelters and reliable water and sanitation facilities to reduce the risks facing vulnerable communities.
He also urged greater support for agriculture, livestock production, fishing and small businesses to help displaced households restore their livelihoods and reduce dependence on emergency assistance.
Kuyok said the government was promoting early warning systems, flood-risk monitoring, community awareness, contingency planning and timely evacuation where necessary to protect lives and minimize losses.
He added that children, women, older people and other vulnerable groups should remain a priority in humanitarian interventions.
Ministry’s role in durable solutions
The discussions also highlighted the government’s responsibility to lead efforts that enable displaced families to return voluntarily and safely to their places of origin, integrate into host communities or relocate elsewhere where appropriate.
The UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator ad interim and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, said national and state authorities must provide leadership and accountability, supported by humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners.
Balakrishnan urged government institutions and partners to translate their commitments into concrete actions supported by resources, clear timelines and measurable results.
He said durable solutions require investment in water management, essential services, livelihoods, land and housing, as well as host communities living alongside displaced populations.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Land and Housing, Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Environment, alongside United Nations agencies.
The meeting forms part of South Sudan’s broader efforts to implement its National Durable Solutions Strategy and Plan of Action for 2024–2028, which seeks to move displaced populations beyond prolonged humanitarian assistance towards sustainable recovery and self-reliance.
The government and the United Nations have set a target of helping at least 60,000 displaced people achieve durable solutions by the end of 2026.
The discussions in Juba come amid continued flood risks in Bentiu and declining humanitarian resources, increasing pressure on the government and its partners to strengthen disaster preparedness and deliver sustainable solutions for displaced communities.
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