INDEPENDENT COUNTRY PROGRAMME EVALUATION SOUTH SUDAN

The Republic of South Sudan, upon gaining independence from Sudan, became the world’s newest country in July 2011. In the 10 subsequent years, the country experienced two periods of civil war (beginning in December 2013 and resuming in July 2016), each characterized by high levels of violence, a large humanitarian emergency and extensive damage to the country’s economy and social fabric.

Political instability and economic stagnation have constrained the ability of the government and its international partners to reduce humanitarian aid needs and to move South Sudan into a lasting trajectory of recovery and development. The COVID‑19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, livelihoods and access to basic services and has disrupted humanitarian operations. The South Sudan ICPE assessed the current programme cycle for 2019‑2021 (extended to 2022) and the previous country programme document 2016‑2017 (extended to 2018).

The current country programme document outlined two outcome areas: 1) strengthened peace infrastructures and accountable governance; and 2) recovered local economies. The previous country programme outlined three outcome areas: 1) resilient communities; 2) local economy; and 3) peace and governance. Due to the nature of UNDP’s role within the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), the scope of the evaluation covers the SSHF from the operational side.