U.S. calls for elections as South Sudan mark 12 years of independence

JUBA, JULY 9, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The United States on Sunday called on the leaders of South Sudan to work towards free and fair elections, as the world’s youngest country marks 12^th years of independence.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken congratulated the people of South Sudan and noted that the country still faces significant challenges, including corruption and a lack of respect for human rights.

South Sudan gained its independence in July 2011, but citizens have continued to suffer as leaders took country to a deadly civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions from their homes and inflation getting higher every single day.

Blinken called on the leaders of South Sudan to address impediments standing in the way of the aspirations of the people of South Sudan.

“We call upon South Sudan’s leaders to address the impediments to realizing their people’s aspirations,” Blinken said the statement marking South Sudan independence.

“We urge the transitional government to implement measures necessary to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections; to fight corruption in public office, business, and industry; to build a unified security service that respects human rights; and to develop democratic institutions that ensure South Sudan is responsive to the needs of its people,” he added.

Blinken also said that the United States is committed to supporting South Sudan’s path to peace and prosperity.