The US has pledged continued support for South Sudan’s bid to transition to a democratic dispensation through the implementation of the peace agreement and the subsequent election.
The US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Antony Blinken, stated in a statement while wishing South Sudan a success on the 11th commemoration of the independence that Washington was devoted to maintaining positive relations with Juba for the good of the people.
‘‘The United States stands with the people of South Sudan. We are committed to working with the transitional government, a free and open civil society, and regional and international partners to create a pathway towards a democratic future, “he stated.
Mr Blinken added that the US was keen to ensure that South Sudan had a democratically elected regime with a full security apparatus that would discharge the duties professionally.
He noted: ‘‘We continue to urge South Sudan’s leaders to realize their people’s aspirations and take concrete steps to build a unified security service that respects human rights; to establish accountable and transparent economic management; and to create strong, democratic institutions and a conducive environment to support free, fair, and credible elections.’’
His statement came at a time when the US had announced a scale-down of financial support to South Sudan’s peace process. The move is likely to affect ceasefire bodies such as the Revitalized Transitional Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) and the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAM-VM).
During the heads of state extraordinary assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, last week Tuesday, IGAD appealed to the donor countries not to drop their support for South Sudan’s process.
Following the withdrawal of the support, President Salva Kiir on Saturday aired a passionate appeal to the donors not to relinquish their act of kindness.
“We are concerned by the decision taken by our partners to the monitoring mechanisms that are the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), and the Ceasefire Transitional Security Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAM-VM),” he stated in an address to the nation.
President Kiir said such a move would cripple the peace process given the importance of such bodies.
“These bodies are vital in providing oversight on the issues arising from the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement,” he said.
“Given the vital roles played by these institutions, I’m adding my voice to that of IGAD to call on our partners to reconsider their decision and provide the necessary funds to these institutions to carry out their functions.”