July 26, Juba, South Sudan— In a speech during a commemorative event on July 25 marking the 10-year anniversary of the U.S.-funded American Corner at the University of Juba, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. John Akec, questioned the rationale of the U.S. Government not providing more development aid and called for greater international investment in South Sudan.
In response, Ambassador Adler said that he would like to see an environment more conducive both to international development assistance and to international investment. The Ambassador expressed regret that such an environment does not currently exist in South Sudan and will not exist until certain fundamental principles are addressed.
The Ambassador outlined the reasons why such an environment does not exist at this time. These include concerns over human rights, accountability, transparency, and progress toward meeting peace commitments. He noted that since well before South Sudan’s independence, the United States has sought to help the South Sudanese people achieve a future of peace, security, and democracy. He assured the Vice Chancellor and the audience that the foundational values that have been part of U.S. commitment from the onset of our engagement here remain as strong as ever, and that we will continue to speak candidly and directly about them for as long as necessary.
Over the past decade, the American Corner in Juba has made available accurate and timely information about American culture, history, and society to South Sudanese students and members of the public. The American Corner offers free internet and is a welcoming venue for events, film screenings, trainings, and other programs.
For more information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section: Henry Andrea, Information and Media Assistant | andreaHJ@state.gov |+211 0912152994
