IOM Country Representative, Peter Van Der Auweraert - COURTESY

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan has warned about a possible significant decline in humanitarian assistance for the country next year.

Peter Van Der Auwerraert stated that there is going to be no magical solution as he expects no money will be coming from South Sudan.

The Humanitarian Coordinator says it is critical for the government to prioritize the development of sustainable solutions to address the humanitarian crisis.

He says that the government needs to focus on accelerating economic growth to address the burden of the humanitarian situation on the country.

Van Der was speaking during the opening of the First National Economic Conference on Monday, September 4, in Juba.

“We will see a significant decline in humanitarian assistance next year, at the same time South Sudan is facing the fallout of the Sudan conflict not just the arrival of more than 250,000 so far. The economic impacts in the states bordering Sudan with commodities prices shooting up very rapidly,” said Van Der.

“If we have less humanitarian assistance next year which will be the case there’s no magical solutions, there’s no going to be more international money falling out of the sky next year.”

Van Der stresses the need for the government to accelerate economic growth by implementing strategies that stimulate and attract investments to the country for its long-term stability and prosperity.

“There are only two things that are critical, First is the acceleration of economic growth. Theses of course are priorities to support economic growth and we are the United Nations, we are ready to support the people of South Sudan,” he added.

“The government to create an environment where that economic growth is possible, particularly we can only do so under the leadership of the government and having conditions in place to have economic growth coming to South Sudan and benefiting the people of South Sudan quickly that include increasing the payment of the civil servant.”

According to the UN, more than 250,000 Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees have entered the country since the start of the conflict in Sudan five months ago.

Last month, the UNHCR appealed for 1 billion US dollars to be allocated to address humanitarian assistance for Sudanese refugees in South Sudan and neighbouring countries.