By Kidega Livingstone
The government has welcomed the newly appointed Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Vijaya Souri.
On Thursday, Ms. Souri presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc.
“The International Organization for Migration will be a full partner to the Government of South Sudan in the effort to promote peace and development, and will cooperate with all the humanitarian partners on creating economic opportunities and solutions that will improve the self-reliance of the South Sudanese people,” said Ms. Souri.
Ms. Souri has been with IOM since 2004 and brings a wealth of experience in migration issues and IOM’s programs.
She has previously served as Chief of Mission in Burundi, Mauritania, and Côte d’Ivoire, and has also held the position of Senior Technical Advisor in Regional Security and Stability at the IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa.
The International Organization for Migration is committed to promoting the humane and orderly movement of people across borders.
In South Sudan, IOM works closely with the government, humanitarian and development partners, and migrants to improve migration management.
IOM’s areas of focus include migration and development, facilitating migration, regulating migration, and addressing forced migration.
The organization provides policy guidance, supports institutional capacity building, and works to improve immigration and border management.