By Alan Clement
Unity State Governor, Riek Bim Top, has announced an ambitious plan to resettle over 470,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of its newly launched Durable Solutions Roadmap.
According to a statement from the State’s press unit, the announcement was made during the opening of a workshop in Bentiu focused on the implementation of the roadmap which aims to transition displaced populations from temporary camps to permanent, flood-resilient settlements across the state.
The Governor emphasized that the roadmap is not merely a humanitarian gesture but a durable development strategy. “The State Government’s commitment to durable solutions goes beyond humanitarian relief; it focuses on tangible actions that empower people to rebuild their lives sustainably,” he said in a statement.
The roadmap outlines a strategic plan to relocate IDPs to safe, flood-resilient areas through the allocation of residential plots, marking a significant shift from emergency relief to long-term recovery. The initiative is expected to address the protracted displacement crisis that has affected nearly half a million people in Unity State.
“Since my appointment as governor, I have made it my personal mission to lead Unity State toward recovery and long-term stability. My vision is to transform this state from a landscape of displacement into one of opportunity, recovery, and resilience,” said Governor Riek during the launch event.
The workshop brought together government officials, humanitarian partners, and technical experts to coordinate the implementation of the roadmap which includes plans of land identification, infrastructure development, and community integration measures to ensure that resettled populations can thrive in their new environments.
The launch of the Durable Solutions Roadmap is seen as a pivotal moment in Unity State’s post-conflict recovery efforts, with the government pledging continued collaboration with national and international partners to ensure its success.
Unity State is one of the areas most affected by displacement due to years of conflict and severe flooding, with IDPs concentrated in camps in Bentiu, Rubkona, and surrounding counties.