The UNMISS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Eugene Owusu, and the OIC UNDP Country Director, concluded a one day visit to Bentiu to assess the prevailing humanitarian situation and to chart the way forward for the remaining challenges for the sustainable and dignified return home for the IDP’s in the area.

 The DSRSG stressed the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to recovery and stabilization during the implementation of the peace in South Sudan. He highlighted three pressing priorities to ensure these factors which are the revitalization of the local economy, investing in the basic social services and enhancing community level peace building activities.

Mr. Owusu emphasized that “We need to begin to invest in local communities and the local economy so that people can have the opportunity to enhance their livelihood”.

He then added that people are looking for an opportunity to return home to live in peace and lead a dignified life and thus, an inclusive and coordinated approach with the government of South Sudan is needed to provide basic social services.

He encouraged the government to invest in basic social services delivery, as well as peacebuilding initiatives.

Mr. Owusu also noted that the “Beyond Bentiu Strategy “, which is designed to reach those outside of the PoC site, has made a significant and positive impact for returnees and host communities in their various locations.

The Bentiu staff briefed the DSRSG on security and the humanitarian needs situation in the area, citing the Forward Operation Base (FOB) and the Temporary Operation Base (TOB) as major contributors to improved security and enhanced confidence amongst the local population.

The Bentiu Head of Field Office stated that the FOB and TOB have contributed positively to access and safe delivery of humanitarian support to IDPs and therefore, our partnership has been strengthened  with the humanitarian agencies, NGO’s, and the government.

Mr. Owusu also met with top government officials and commended the partnership the government now has with UN Agencies and other partners working in the region.