New Canadian Ambassador to South Sudan Aly-Khan Rajani lifts the lid on the unique similarities between his home country and the workstation.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj on Canada Day, which is celebrated on July 1, Ambassador Rajani, who arrived in Juba in September 2023, said he sees South Sudan as a country with tremendous potential with abundant human capital and natural resources.
Below are edited excerpts:
Q. Ambassador Rajani, what is your first impression of South Sudan?
A. It is just a tremendous privilege and it is like coming home in a lot of ways. I think my initial impression, when I got here, which continues to be cemented in my work here, has been that the people are tremendously warm and welcoming, and really see so much hope in their country.
I see a country with a tremendous potential with abundant human capital and natural resources. The youth; particularly, have impressed me because they are so large in numbers. The energy they bring; when I have to see some of our projects, is really something that I believe can be harnessed. The other impression is looking at South Sudan from a geo-political perspective. I think that it has a very important place in the region, which makes it important for peace and stability in this country. That is because it not only ensures a brighter future for South Sudan, but also; I believe, can help contribute to the stability of the region.
Q. How would you describe the relationship between Canada and South Sudan?
A. I think it is important to go back to our history long before independence. In fact, initially it was based at a consulate level and then immediately after independence, Canada announced its intentions to open an embassy in Juba. That was inspired by the belief that the people of South Sudan, who desired a free and independent nation, deserved our support, not just to become a democratic state, but also to realize development. As we know, South Sudan has many needs. From the very beginning, Canada said that it wanted to support the development of the country and particularly its people.
The other interesting part is that we have a lot more in common than we might realize. Both have 10 states; in our case, they are 10 provinces. There are three administrative areas here in South Sudan as there are three territories in Canada. I think both countries are blessed with natural resources and agricultural potential.
The other part is to acknowledge the rich tradition we have in diversity. Here, it is more about the ethnic backgrounds, but Canada is a country built on the immigration of people from different walks of life.
I think that we should also acknowledge that both countries are walking their own paths of truth, reconciliation and healing. We all have histories that we are working on to improve and move forward together.
We also look at how our people are connected and here I am referring to the South Sudanese diaspora in Canada. There are thousands of people who have come to Canada and contributed to the economy as well as to the multi-cultural fabric of the country. Others choose to return to support the development in South Sudan. And this is something that impressed me a lot.
For example, we have this refugee exchange education program through an organization called the World University Services of Canada (WUSC). I know and I have met many South Sudanese who have come to Canada through the WUSC program, and in fact now have returned to South Sudan and are working in government, the NGOs and even in private business.
When they came to meet me, they told me that they understand both places and want to help build those bridges, working with the embassy and the civil society and other organizations. That really demonstrates the values we share and how our souls are linked to build both countries to be better.
Q. What is the focus of Canada’s humanitarianism now and why?
A. Canada’s engagement in South Sudan is mainly anchored on two pillars of our policies. One is a feminist foreign policy and the second is a feminist international assistance policy. These policies are built around the notion that women and girls and their rights and prosperity are at the center of our programing. All the projects that we do look at gender equality and take a feminist approach.
A lot of our work; when we are providing aid in humanitarian programing will be a gender response in nature. It ensures that women have access to food and water, and being able to look after some of these needs for their families.
Do they have the access? Do they have the ability to get there? And it is a collective responsibility. But it is also often important to look at rules in society, be appropriate to the situation in the cultural context, and ensure that the needs of those people, particularly the women and girls, are met.
We are looking at the true idea of protection and ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and rights are looked after. Also that women and girls are not put in harms ways, are not targeted by gender-based violence, while they are trying to meet the needs of their people.
You might wonder who we work with. The beauty of the relationship between Canada and South Sudan is that we work very closely with the government, local and international NGOs, and various UN partners and other multi-lateral partners such as the World Bank.
We have a wide range of programing focusing on health, agriculture, education as well as the basic needs throughout the country, to help alleviate poverty as well as meet the basic needs for the people. We also to try to develop programs for women, to enhance the inclusive governance and increase the participation of the underprivileged groups in local decision-making. We particularly focus on women and girls but also look at the youth. I think it is a really a key target to further build the prosperity of South Sudan.
Q. What is the impact of some of your projects in South Sudan?
A. Since 2011, Canada has provided over 1.1 billion Canadian Dollars in international assistance to South Sudan. That involved covering different projects that include humanitarian assistance, peace and security and the long-term development. In 2021- 2022, Canada provided 137 million Canadian Dollars in international assistance, which makes Canada the fourth largest bilateral aid donor to South Sudan. Currently, Canada’s projects in food security stand at around 96 million Canadian Dollars, over 100 million in health, and over 40 million dollars in education.
I think that might help illustrate the impact on the people because ultimately, I think this is really about the impact on human lives.
Q. What is your final message to the government and the people of South Sudan on Canada Day?
A. I wish everyone a very happy Canada Day and today is the day we really reflect on our common values. In addition, we have so many common values that are based on mutual respect, multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion and the idea of human rights, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, the building of democracies and fostering an inclusive economic growth for both our countries. The second is that Canada continues to work with the government and with the people of South Sudan for prosperity. I urge everyone in South Sudan to think about their part in building a prosperous peaceful future. Peace must be the priority at this time. We look ahead with hope and the conviction and a sense of a national pride that we have worked together to build a democratic and peaceful nation.
We envision where people have equal rights, can express their views, can build their lives and live happily together.