“One of the most dangerous places”

“There are few more needier countries than South Sudan,” said Emer Kerrigan, deputy director of the Irish Jesuits International at the Forum for Irish Missionaries in South Sudan (FIMSS) event, which took place in Dublin on 28 April 2026.

Ranked near the bottom of the Human Development Index and the world’s youngest nation, Sudan faces ongoing conflict, weak infrastructure, climate shocks, and extreme poverty—while remaining one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian work.

In response, the Irish Jesuits International have brought organisations together in Dublin to strengthen collaboration and support for those most affected in Sudan.

Communications & Research Officer – Joe Munnelly has written an article about the day which can be read below.

Forum For Irish Missionaries in South Sudan (FIMSS)

It was an exciting day for Irish Jesuits International who launched the Forum for Irish Missionaries in South Sudan (FIMSS) in Dublin last week!

The forum brings together organisations working in South Sudan to share experiences, challenges, and ideas—while exploring how greater collaboration can strengthen the vital humanitarian and development work in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Attendees at the forum were the Comboni Missionaries, Congregation of Jesus (Loreto Sisters), De La Salle, Edmund Rice Development, Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, Holy Faith Sisters, Jesuits of East Africa, Medical Missionaries of Mary, Misean Cara, Salesian Sisters, Salesians of Don Bosco, Solidarity with South Sudan and St Patrick’s Missionary Society.

The event also included a video address from Ambassador Olivia Leslie of the Embassy of Ireland in Ethiopia, recognising the importance of these partnerships and Ireland’s role in supporting development in the region.

As Emer Kerrigan, IJI deputy director, highlighted in her opening remarks, “There are few more needier countries than South Sudan”. Ranked second-to-last on the Human Development Index, it is the world’s youngest country, ravaged by conflict, weak infrastructure, climate shocks, and extreme poverty.

South Sudan also happens to be one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian aid workers, meaning marginalised communities are truly isolated and at the fringes, where families, especially women and children, bear the brunt of violence and displacement.

It has been faith communities and congregations which have been at the frontlines since even before its statehood in 2011, providing communities with aid and service from nutrition and medical assistance to livelihood trainings and education, providing communities with vital stepping stones for brighter futures.

The challenges and fears expressed during the forum were described as a whirlpool where, at times, one challenge is soon followed by another. Instability is widespread, and even travelling on little to no road infrastructure is dangerous. The everyday realities, stories and experiences were shared to strategise how organisations could work together and break silos where possible.

What was certain among all members was the passion, dedication, and, indeed, love for a country and its people who are experiencing unimaginable challenges. The forum was also a chance for deeper reflection on the joint mission, to overcome cuts to international aid funding, and to build upon sustainable development, which will empower communities not only to make something of themselves and overcome poverty, but also to build their own communities through skills and peace.

It was an uplifting day with friends and peers as the forum looks to a challenging future with hope and optimism to continue their work in solidarity with the people of South Sudan.

The forum launch is just the beginning of strengthened collaboration where people united in faith and dedication to reach the furthest margins of our world can build upon work which is already transforming lives.

You can find out more about the work of the Jesuits in South Sudan by visiting: www.iji.ie