US dismisses as “false” claims of attempts to colonize S. Sudan

August 12, 2016 (JUBA) – United States Ambassador to South Sudan, Molly Phee, has dismissed as “complete false” government accusation that her country is brewing plans to place South Sudan under United Nations administration.

Ambassador Phee comments come in the wake of a campaign by the government officials aiming at rallying local support against the deployment of foreign force supported by the Washington at the level of UN Security Council.

“There is absolutely no language that would support the allegation that there is any effort on behalf of the United States or any other member of the United Nations Security Council to try and return to colonialism or return to UN protectorate,” said Phee in a series of interviews with local radio stations on Friday, hours before the UN Security Council vote on US drafted proposal to send extra 4,000 troops to boost UN peacekeepers in South Sudan.

South Sudan information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth told reporters on Tuesday in Juba that the US proposal is at odds with IGAD communique issued last week. Makuei said the communique, which Juba accepted in principle, involved element of consulting South Sudan before a regional force intervene. Makuei suggested that the US is working tirelessly for a regime change in Juba and placing the country under a UN administration.

The US diplomat did not mention official statement but told reporters at the USAID supported Eye Radio that there is no return of any African country to colonialism.

“It is completely false,” Phee said.

She further said the IGAD proposal has been accepted by Juba and the United States will simply help finance by “simply providing the resources that would allow the protection force to support South Sudan and recover from the current crisis.”

(ST)