U.S. Secretary of State urges South Sudanese Leaders to Conduct Genuine Elections

The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, on the anniversary of South Sudan’s independence on 9 July, urged the country’s leaders to guarantee the people a future of peace and the ability to elect their leaders democratically.

He congratulated the people of South Sudan on behalf of the Government of the United States of America, as they celebrate their independence.

“In 2011, South Sudan emerged as the world’s newest nation, amidst joy and high expectations from its people that its leaders would work to establish a democratic, just, and peaceful society,” he stated. “The United States calls on South Sudan’s leaders to take the steps necessary to meet these expectations and to guarantee their people a future of peace and the ability to choose their leaders through genuine and peaceful elections. We urge the transitional government to start using public financial resources transparently for the good of all the people of South Sudan,”

Secretary Blinken added: “We also call on the transitional government to create an environment that is conducive for the effective provision of international donor assistance, including by reducing the costs and risks faced by those trying to help the South Sudanese people.”

He said the United States’ relationship with South Sudan began decades before its independence and is based on values, including the belief that the South Sudanese people deserve democracy, human rights, and a government that is responsive to their needs.

“We will always stand with those who work to advance these values so that all South Sudanese can live in peace and with dignity,” Blinken said.