![US Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2j9p4a0.jpg?resize=850%2C381&ssl=1)
U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler made the announcement during a reception celebrating the 248th anniversary of American independence. He emphasized the enduring U.S. commitment to the South Sudanese people, highlighting nearly $351 million in humanitarian aid provided this year alone.
“Twelve years ago, South Sudan began its own history as a new independent nation. It did so with the strong support of the United States and many other countries whose representatives have joined us this evening. That support remains based on values, including our conviction that the people of what is today South Sudan should have peace, human rights, democracy, and a government responsive to their needs,” Ambassador Adler said.
“United States support for the South Sudanese people is enduring. It manifests itself in a number of ways, including through needs-based, life-saving humanitarian assistance. As part of that support, today I am announcing more than $57 million in additional humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs of crisis-affected people in South Sudan. And we intend to provide additional support in the coming months, including $100 million in food aid in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” he added.
The new funding adds to nearly $7.3 billion in total U.S. humanitarian aid to South Sudan since its independence in 2011. Ambassador Adler echoed his call on the transitional government to increase its own contributions to assist the millions facing food insecurity and displacement. He also urged the government to “reduce the costs and risks faced by international donors and humanitarian workers seeking to help the South Sudanese people,” including full implementation of tax and fee exemptions for aid organizations.
Beyond financial assistance, Ambassador Adler stressed the importance of a strong partnership between the U.S. and South Sudan. He called for a shift in focus from “more assistance provided” to a collaborative approach, as envisioned by President John F. Kennedy when he famously challenged Americans to ask, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
“Successful donor assistance, whether through USAID – an agency President Kennedy established – or under the post-war European Recovery Program – requires authentic partnership,” Ambassador Adler stated, referencing the Marshall Plan and the need for shared responsibility between donor and recipient nations. “Indeed, when Secretary of State Marshall publicly outlined the plan that came to bear his name on June 5th, 1947, he noted the responsibilities of both the United States and countries receiving assistance.”
A key element of this partnership, according to Ambassador Adler, is the creation of an environment conducive to a better future for South Sudan. He emphasized the need for peaceful and genuine elections, achieved through measures such as creation of conducive political and civic space, politically neutral and unified security forces, fully funded and operationalized election institutions, and a commitment by South Sudan’s leaders to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve differences and to reject violence as a tool of competition.
Ambassador Adler also urged the government to prioritize transparent use of public revenue to address public needs, specifically including essential services and humanitarian response.
“We also look for urgent action by the transitional government to use public revenue transparently to address public needs. This includes civil service and security sector salaries, and health and education services, as well as humanitarian response,” he said.
“Through taking such action, South Sudan’s leaders will create an environment for the strong and beneficial partnership between our countries that we sought and expected in 2011 and continue to seek today,” he added.
