Speaking during celebrations marking Europe Day in Juba on May 8, Enarsson said the country urgently needs peace, political dialogue, and democratic transition to reverse years of conflict, instability, and economic hardship.
“South Sudan is at a precarious moment. There is a strong need for visionary leadership to bring the people of South Sudan together,” the envoy said in a speech delivered at the EU compound in Juba.
Drawing parallels with Europe’s post-war reconciliation process, Enarsson urged South Sudanese leaders to identify common national interests capable of uniting the country beyond political divisions.
“You need to find your coal and steel,” he said, referring to the historic European Coal and Steel Community that laid the foundation for the modern European Union after World War II.
The ambassador described South Sudan’s humanitarian situation as deeply troubling, noting that millions of citizens rely on international aid for survival.
“Nine out of twelve or thirteen million South Sudanese depend on external aid to survive day by day,” he said, attributing the crisis to “continued conflict and instability, displacement, climate change and poor governance.”
Enarsson added that such dependence “is a disgrace to the years of fighting and human suffering to achieve independence,” echoing remarks previously made by President Salva Kiir Mayardit that the revolution would only have meaning if it improved the lives of ordinary citizens.
The envoy criticized the government’s low spending on social services, saying allocations to health and education remain below one percent of the national budget while donors continue to shoulder much of the burden.
“We also emphasize the need for the Government to invest more of its own resources on development and the social welfare of all South Sudanese,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Enarsson reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding and development initiatives in South Sudan. He said the bloc continues to back the implementation of the peace agreement, preparations for elections, constitutional-making processes, civic education, youth peace ambassadors, and human rights defenders.
The ambassador also highlighted EU-funded infrastructure and development projects, including road construction in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and the planned electricity interconnection project linking Uganda to Juba.
According to Enarsson, newly opened roads in Aweil are already transforming local communities by encouraging farmers to produce beyond subsistence levels and participate in markets.
He further said the EU is investing in conservation and tourism initiatives while supporting renewable energy development to reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity generation in the capital.
The envoy concluded by assuring South Sudanese citizens that the EU would continue supporting efforts toward peace and prosperity.
“When you do, we will be here to support your peace. To support South Sudan’s people to become prosperous,” he said.
