(BENTIU, UNITY STATE) – A British Embassy delegation has visited Bentiu and Rubkona in South Sudan’s Unity State to assess the impact of UKAid and explore ways to support more community led and sustainable recovery approaches.
The visit was facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has been working on the ground to assist those affected by displacement and climate shocks in the region.
Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, has long been at the centre of humanitarian need in South Sudan. Conflict, combined with repeated flooding in surrounding low lying areas, has pushed thousands of families into displacement camps in Rubkona and its outskirts. These camps are overcrowded and lack basic infrastructure, including safe water and sanitation.
The British delegation noted that while emergency aid remains necessary, there is now a growing urgency to move toward longer term solutions. The UK team said they were encouraged by the resilience and leadership of local communities, particularly the efforts of groups such as the Community Disability Committee, which has been active in advocating for inclusive recovery.
The Embassy highlighted that changing global funding trends demand a shift from direct aid to investments in locally driven, multi-sectoral recovery that builds self reliance. They urged humanitarian and development partners to embrace conflict sensitive planning that empowers communities to shape their futures.
During discussions with affected residents, the British team heard testimonies of people who had lost their homes and farmlands to floods or were displaced due to insecurity. These realities, the Embassy said, must be central to designing recovery programmes in Unity State and beyond.
Bentiu and Rubkona continue to face difficult conditions. Large parts of Unity State remain waterlogged, making farming nearly impossible in some areas and limiting movement for both aid workers and residents. These challenges are further complicated by periodic outbreaks of violence and political instability.
Despite these obstacles, the UK delegation pointed out that community level initiatives offer hope. UKAid is already supporting emergency health and shelter services in Unity State, but the visit aimed to reinforce the need to plan for future resilience.
The Embassy thanked local leaders, civil society, and affected community members who participated in the meetings. They committed to continue working closely with national and local actors in South Sudan to improve recovery outcomes, particularly in flood prone and conflict affected states like Unity.
