(JUBA) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it will launch a Durable Solutions Roadmap for internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees and host communities in Central Equatoria State early next month.
The announcement followed a meeting in Juba between IOM Deputy Chief of Mission Newson Michael and the Caretaker Governor of Central Equatoria State, General Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani.
According to IOM, the roadmap was developed and validated with the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, county authorities, relevant government ministries and development partners.
The plan covers all six counties of Central Equatoria State.
It seeks to address barriers facing internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees and host communities.
IOM says the roadmap will support sustainable return, local integration and relocation through an area based approach.
It also aligns with South Sudan’s national Durable Solutions Strategy and Plan of Action.
The programme is expected to run over a four year period with regular reviews.
Governor Jadalla commended IOM for its humanitarian and livelihood support across the state.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring unhindered humanitarian access.
He also directed the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission to work with IOM to set a date for the official launch, expected in early November.
In other news, Archbishop Elias Taban Ade Parangi has called on South Sudanese to embrace dialogue, unity and lasting peace ahead of the December 2026 elections.
Speaking during a welcome ceremony at the EPC compound last weekend, the archbishop said dialogue is essential for resolving political differences and preventing further conflict.
He urged citizens to prepare for the elections and exercise their democratic right to vote.
He expressed hope that the polls will be conducted peacefully without causing instability.
Archbishop Elias also welcomed efforts to promote dialogue between the government and opposition groups.
He said inclusive engagement is key to achieving lasting peace.
Former Tore Payam Director Azaria Khemis Noah and Emeritus Bishop Hillary Adeba praised the archbishop for his contributions to education, healthcare and community development in Yei.
The leaders also called on residents to work together for peace, reconciliation and stability across South Sudan.
Elsewhere, a child rights activist in South Sudan’s Yei River County is calling on the national, state and county governments to increase funding for the education sector.
The appeal follows warnings from education officials and community leaders that many schools, particularly in rural areas, are struggling due to a lack of support for teachers and school infrastructure.
Education stakeholders say the worsening economic situation has forced many teachers to leave the profession in search of better paying opportunities.
This has left schools dependent on untrained volunteer teachers.
Speaking to Access Radio, Executive Director of Kikiji National Orphanage Centre Dominic Living Wawa warned that Yei risks facing a future of widespread illiteracy if urgent action is not taken.
Wawa also stressed the need to improve school infrastructure and provide adequate learning materials.
He said this would create a better environment for both teachers and learners.
He further called on community leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to work together in finding sustainable solutions to support education in Yei River County.
In Juba, the Caretaker Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya, has called for harmonised taxation and improved revenue collection.
She said this would strengthen service delivery and create a more business friendly environment in Central Equatoria State.
Dr. Labanya made the remarks during a meeting with the Caretaker Governor of Central Equatoria State, General Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani.
The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Trade and the State Government.
The two leaders discussed ways of streamlining taxes and revenue collection to reduce bottlenecks for traders and support economic growth.
Governor Jadalla said close coordination between state and national institutions is essential.
He said this would improve revenue collection while ensuring businesses operate in a predictable and conducive environment.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Trade and other relevant institutions.
The meeting also looked at efforts to boost local revenue through coordinated tax administration while encouraging trade and investment across the state.
The World Bank Group has pledged to strengthen cooperation with Central Equatoria State to help address urban development challenges and improve infrastructure in Juba.
A delegation led by Senior Urban and Disaster Risk Management Specialist Lukas Leschner met with Governor Jadalla in Juba on Monday.
They discussed areas of collaboration on urban development.
The talks focused on how the World Bank can support South Sudan, particularly Central Equatoria State, in managing the challenges and opportunities brought about by rapid urbanisation.
According to the World Bank delegation, future support will build on the successes of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project.
The project is being implemented by the Government of South Sudan with World Bank assistance.
The institution is also exploring ways to expand the project to selected urban areas, including Juba City Council and Juba County.
The aim is to improve infrastructure, strengthen service delivery and enhance urban planning and management capacities.
Governor Jadalla welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the World Bank.
He said the state wants to advance urban development and modernise Juba as the capital city of South Sudan.
The meeting was attended by the Caretaker Mayor of Juba City Council, Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka, and the state official responsible for physical infrastructure, Wol Mathok Diing.
The proposed initiative is expected to support efforts to improve public services and build capacity to respond to growing urbanisation challenges in the city.
In Bangkok, a South Sudan delegation has met with the International Monetary Fund to discuss the country’s economic reforms and political preparations ahead of December elections.
The delegation was led by Caretaker Minister of Finance and Planning Athian Diing Athian and Bank of South Sudan Governor Dr Addis Ababa Othow.
They held talks with Zeine Zeidane, Director of the IMF’s African Department, on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
The meetings are running from 12th to 18th October 2026.
During the meeting, Minister Athian briefed IMF officials on the government’s economic reforms and the impact of climate shocks on economic growth.
He also updated the Fund on the political situation in South Sudan, particularly preparations for the upcoming December elections.
The minister said the government remains committed to strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions to support the country’s development priorities.
Mr Zeidane reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting South Sudan.
He encouraged the government to continue strengthening its fiscal and governance policies.
Other attendees included Costas Christou, Deputy Director of the IMF’s African Department, and Melesse Minale Tasha, Assistant Director.
Also present were Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and other senior officials from the ministry and the Bank of South Sudan.
In regional news, two Egyptian truck drivers were killed and a third seriously wounded after a gunman opened fire at a market in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, on Monday.
Sudan’s police said the shooting occurred at approximately 2pm local time in Khartoum’s local market.
An armed individual opened fire on a group of people, killing two Egyptian nationals and injuring another.
Police said officers arrested the suspected attacker shortly after the incident and recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting.
The injured Egyptian was transferred to the Military Medical Corps Hospital in Omdurman for treatment.
Authorities described the attack as an isolated criminal incident.
They said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances and motive.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the victims were truck drivers and said it was closely monitoring developments.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty instructed Egypt’s ambassador to Sudan, Yasser Sorour, to contact Sudanese authorities immediately.
He asked the ambassador to seek clarification about the attack and arrange for the bodies of the two victims to be returned to Egypt.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nader Zaki said Sudanese officials had confirmed the suspect’s arrest.
The Egyptian ambassador also met the governor of Khartoum, who offered condolences and checked on the injured driver.
Medical personnel said the wounded man required urgent surgery.
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