By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan
A high-level delegation from the African Union (AU) wrapped up a significant humanitarian assessment mission in South Sudan on Friday, focusing on the country’s capacity to address a deepening refugee crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in neighbouring Sudan.
Led by Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue Monono, the AU’s Permanent Representative, the team evaluated the conditions faced by refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), while also assessing AU-funded education initiatives and reviewing South Sudan’s compliance with African migration protocols.
“This mission represents more than just an assessment; it marks the beginning of actionable support,” Ewumbue Monono stated during a press conference in Juba. “We have allocated $500,000 for classroom construction in Gorom and provided essential food and non-food items to refugee communities.”
Currently, South Sudan is home to over 650,000 refugees, primarily from Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in April 2023. The Commission for Refugee Affairs (CRA) reports that new arrivals also include individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Burundi, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
John Dabi, Deputy Commissioner for the CRA, noted that South Sudan’s progressive refugee policies have established it as a regional haven. “There is stability here, which is why people are coming,” Dabi asserted. “Our Refugee Act is among the best in the region, enabling urban and rural settlement while prioritizing dignity, movement, and integration.”
However, Dabi cautioned about the increasing pressure on resources. The World Food Programme (WFP) has cut food assistance by more than half, with only vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities receiving limited help. He also mentioned that the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has closed several field offices due to a lack of funding.
“How do we accommodate these newcomers without adequate support?” Dabi questioned. “While solutions such as local farming and integration are effective, they require additional investment.”
The AU delegation visited urban refugee settlements and schools in Gorom, assessing educational needs and distributing scholastic supplies.
Ewumbue-Monono commended South Sudan’s progress in implementing key agreements, including the Kampala Convention on IDPs and the AU Free Movement Protocol. “South Sudan has established refugee-friendly laws,” he stated. “The challenge lies not in policy, but in the resources necessary to execute these measures.”
Humanitarian organizations echoed concerns about the pressures on local resources.
Fred Bully Cole, Executive Director of the Humanitarian and Development Consortium (HDC), remarked that the influx of nearly one million returnees and refugees combined is placing a heavy burden on the country. “South Sudan is grappling with its humanitarian issues while hosting hundreds of thousands more,” Cole emphasized. “This mission is crucial. We need coordinated efforts and immediate donor support.”
Cole highlighted ongoing challenges such as inadequate documentation and unregulated border crossings, which hinder many refugees from accessing essential services. He called for more robust systems at informal entry points and increased support for local host communities.
The mission aimed not only to evaluate conditions but also to mobilize international support. “Our visit conveys a clear message: these are African challenges that require African solutions,” Ewumbue Monono stated. “The AU’s presence encourages others to engage in this critical issue.”
The AU plans to present its findings to the AU Peace and Security Council, hoping to galvanize further support for South Sudan’s humanitarian efforts.
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