The European Union (EU) has agreed to earmark a further 96 million euro (103 million USD), to be mobilized over the next three years, to support the social and economic development of South Sudan.
According to a press statement on Thursday, the EU said this funding represents an additional contribution to the multiannual cooperation program (the Multiannual Indicative Programme, MIP 2021-2027) that the European Union has with South Sudan and is the first of its kind.
“The funding is in line with the EU’s long-term commitment to South Sudan and its people and is aimed at the three MIP priority sectors of 1) green and resilient economy, 2) human development and 3) good governance, peace and rule of law for a fairer society,” the statement reads in part. “The EU has regretted the need for another extension of the transitional period. This decision for increased development assistance is not linked to the extension. The additional funding comes as a consequence of the global mid-term review of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). The EU remains a committed partner in areas such as agriculture, health, and education and is also in governance, including supporting the transition in South Sudan.”
“The EU support is however no substitute for a serious demonstration of the transitional government’s commitment,” the statement added.
The European Union urged the government to substantially increase its funding for the implementation of the peace agreement and provide social services to its own population, including the payment of salaries.
The EU has supported South Sudan since its independence in 2011, leveraging policy and political advocacy on key priorities, in close coordination with its Member States and the international community. Following a comprehensive, constructive, and people-centered approach, the EU is promoting humanitarian, development, and peace action interventions (triple nexus approach). The EU is one of the biggest donors to South Sudan and had by 2021 invested in the population of South Sudan over 1 billion Euro since the independence of the country.
The Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 for South Sudan, established by the European Union, outlines the EU’s strategic support to the country for the period from 2021 to 2027. The MIP is aligned with the broader objectives of the EU’s development cooperation and its work within international frameworks like the United Nations.
The MIP focuses on three main priorities:
- Green and resilient economy. Focused on addressing long-term challenges such as food security, climate change, and poverty, while promoting inclusive economic opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Human Development: education and health. The EU aims to support the provision of essential services, particularly in the areas of education, health, and nutrition, to improve the quality of life for South Sudanese citizens.
- Good governance, peace, and the rule of law for a fairer society. This includes support for peacebuilding, strengthening governance, promoting human rights, and advancing the implementation of the peace agreement.
The EU’s approach is highly integrated, combining financial aid with diplomatic efforts to advance the peace process, aiming for long-term stability and sustainable development in South Sudan.
An amount of EUR 208 million was allocated for the period 2021-2024 which breaks down as follows: EUR 83.2 million for the first priority sector, EUR 64.2 million for the second priority sector, EUR 52 million for the third priority sector, and EUR 10.4 million for the support measures. The total amount was committed through three multiannual action plans (2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24).
The Mid-Term Review of the European Union funding instrument “Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument” (NDICI) is a comprehensive assessment in the context of an evolving geopolitical and geo-economic environment and the new Global Gateway Strategy of the EU.
The two main goals of this exercise are:
1) To assess MIPs’ relevance and implementation progress, and, if needed, revise their priority areas and/or sectors of intervention
2) To establish the budgetary allocations for 2025 2027 for country MIPs and, if necessary, revise the allocations of other MIPs
This process started in June 2023 with the consultation of stakeholders and finished in November 2024 with the adoption of the MTR conclusions by the European Commission.