US envoy calls for accountability, transparency in South Sudan
July 26, 2023 (JUBA) – The U.S envoy to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler has urged South Sudan’s leaders to ensure transparency and accountability in the country.
He made the remarks during an occasion organised to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the American Corner at the University of Juba on Tuesday.
Adler called on leaders to show political will and implement the 2018 peace deal.
“The American Corner is a place to learn and exchange ideas. I too would like to see an environment more conducive to traditional development assistance, more conducive to international investment. But that environment does not exist and will not exist until certain fundamental principles are addressed,” he said.
The envoy also stressed the importance of respect for human rights in the country.
“One is respect for human rights, two is the accountability of those who violated human rights, three is transparency in the use of public resources so they are used for the benefit of the people, four is a sign of the clear political will to meet peace commitments so the transition period can come to a successful conclusion,” he said.
The envoy, however, said the U.S seeks to support the ability of the people of South Sudan to achieve a future of peace, security, prosperity, and democracy.
Meanwhile, South Sudan welcomed the U.S-provided humanitarian aid in support of Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees fleeing the conflict in Sudan.
The minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak said the U.S support solidified the growing relations between the two countries.
“As the government and as the people of this country, the Republic of South Sudan, we are grateful to the people and the government of the United States of America. They have never abandoned the people of this country and their support is not something new. It has been there and this one now is a demonstration of this growing spirit of the existing bilateral relations between the two countries, explained Albino Akol Atak”, he told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, World Food Programme (WFP) received 40.5 metric tons of high-energy biscuits from the U.S to support people fleeing ongoing fighting in Sudan.
“We have a situation in Sudan that is forcing people to come here. These people come with nothing. They require support, whether it is food, shelter, or medicines right away from the entry points. As the government, we are doing everything possible to guarantee their safety and security upon arrival. We are also providing them with spaces in which they can live,” explained Atak.
He added, “But we also appreciate and welcome all the support we receive from our humanitarian partners which is what the USAID [U.S aid arm] has done”.
The minister said the donation would support 45,000 returnees and refugees upon arrival at reception centers in Renk of Upper Nile State, Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Bentiu in Unity State as well as Abyei in Abyei Administrative Area.
For his part, the U.S envoy to South Sudan said the emergency aid will help WFP to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people fleeing the conflict in Sudan.
“The commodities we are receiving today constitute just a fraction of the additional resources the U.S. Government is providing in South Sudan alone to help refugees and returnees fleeing conflict in Sudan,” he told reporters in Juba.
“Our total assistance so far is over 30 million dollars which itself is a fraction of about $1 billion of assistance provided to help people in South Sudan,” he added.
Mary Ellen Mc Groarty, WFP’s Representative in South Sudan, hailed the U.S for the support and said the contribution remains critical as thousands of people continue to cross the border each week, most in need of humanitarian assistance.
Fighting between Sudan’s army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (SAF) has reportedly has killed over 3,000 civilians and displaced nearly 3 million since April 15, amid reports that 25 million people need humanitarian aid and protection.
(ST)