The European Union Delegation to South Sudan on Thursday launched its Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for the country for the next seven years.
Until 2024, an indicative amount of €208 million has been agreed upon, depending on progress on impact. Subsequently, an additional allocation for the remaining 3 years of the program will be decided upon based on good progress in partnership with the country.
The program focuses on three priority areas, namely, a green and resilient economy, human development (education and health), good governance, peace, and the rule of law for a fairer society.
This new programming aims at improving food and nutrition security, increasing productivity, sustainable agriculture, and increasing women’s economic empowerment, among others.
EU Ambassador Christian Bader and Head of Cooperation Wim Vandenbroucke during the MIP presser on Monday.
Presenting the strategic plan (MIP) during a media breakfast meeting with a group of senior journalists, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation said the new programming would cover environmental conservation, youth engagement, gender equality, peace, humanitarian aid and development, displacements, marginalized community outreach, displacements, and conflict resolutions.
“In the past, we had all kinds of separate elements and financing instruments but due to both technical and political reasons we could not have a strategic plan for South Sudan, but now we have an agreement which has created a platform for us to make a development plan for South Sudan,” Wim Vandenbroucke said.
“The main objective is to go in partnership with the government to go to a more stable and resilient South Sudan. Everybody talks about the need to pass from humanitarian to development aid. Therefore, policy impact will be at the forefront of the program. Only a good policy partnership with the government will guarantee transformational impact towards more structural development in the country.”
EU Ambassador Christian Bader made opening remarks at the launch of the MIP on Thursday.
In his opening remarks, EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Christian Bader, called for prudent execution of these funds to achieve the expected goals.
Of course, there is donor fatigue. Some donors feel that the money they put into this country did not produce the expected results. In both countries, there is public opinion. This money does not come from rich people but from taxpayers like you,” Ambassador Bader said.
“I will always tell government officials that give us a good story. Without a good story, I may not be able to ask for more funds from Brussels to support these programs in South Sudan. If we are happy with the results, we can mobilize more resources from the headquarters.”
