CODEP Launches 7 Life-Saving Projects for IDPs in Western Equatoria

By: Emmanuel Mandella

The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), under the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), has launched seven major humanitarian and development projects aimed at supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yambio and Nzara Counties of Western Equatoria State.

The multi-sectoral initiative unveiled on Wednesday is designed to address critical needs in livelihoods, humanitarian aid, non-food items (NFIs), food security, cholera outbreak prevention, interactive peace building, and agricultural support in vulnerable communities of Naandi, Rangu, and Gitikiri.

The projects are backed by key international Catholic humanitarian partners including CAFOD/TROCAIRE, Caritas Austria, Caritas South Sudan, and SCIAF, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to the people of South Sudan.

“This is like a raindrop falling on stone a symbol of hope and renewal for our people,” said Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, in his emotional address during the launch, he recalled how the Diocese spent millions of U.S. dollars to support IDPs displaced by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) between 2009 and 2011. “We cannot forget our past we draw strength from it to respond with love again today.”

He added that, “In times of uncertainty, it is this spirit of togetherness faith, government, and partners that lights the way forward,” Bishop Hiiboro concluded.

However, Fr. Dominic Sasa, the Episcopal Vicar for Refugees and IDPs and Chancellor of the Diocese, described the launch as a profound act of compassion.

“It is a gospel value, a hidden heartbeat of solidarity from the Church, we are called to be present where there is pain, and today, the Church is standing with its people” he said.

Representing the donors, Mr. Werner Frite, Country Manager for Caritas Austria, emphasized their continued partnership with South Sudan despite global financial pressures.

“The need is great, and our resolve is stronger. We will continue walking with these communities who face displacement, hunger, and uncertainty,” he assured.

Also present at the event was Hon. Alison Barnaba, the State Minister of Agriculture, who applauded the initiative and pledged government collaboration.

“The government is proud to walk hand-in-hand with the Church in bringing life-saving interventions to our people. These projects are not just charitable they are transformational.”

The projects will directly benefit over 200 households mostly IDPs who fled conflict in Tombura County and Rangu Payam of Yambio County. These families are now seeking refuge in Nzara, Yambio, and Rii Menze Boma, areas that continue to grapple with resource shortages and rising humanitarian needs.

Western Equatoria State has witnessed multiple waves of displacement in recent years, driven by conflict, insecurity, and inter-communal violence. The new initiative is seen as a strategic and timely response, providing not just relief but long-term resilience for the displaced.

As peace efforts continue to evolve in the region, faith-based organizations like the CDTY are playing a central role in bridging gaps between humanitarian response and social cohesion, helping restore hope among communities that have borne the brunt of violence and neglect.