As the Ambassador of the world’s youngest nation, I am excited to share with our European partners the optimism that fills South Sudan as we look forward to a transformative year in 2024. The country won its independence in 2011, and now, we are gearing up for our very first national election as a free country, as well as our debut appearance on a different stage – the basketball tournament at the Paris Olympic Games.

The historic national election scheduled for December 2024 marks the culmination of a decade-long democratic transition marred by turmoil and conflict, but also by increased success in electoral, constitutional and security reforms that have bolstered our nation’s stability and conveyed to the international community that South Sudan offers promising opportunities for sustainable investment.

Our freedom from Sudan was secured in 2011 after decades of struggle for statehood, yet our challenges have persisted since independence. A ruinous civil war resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, mass displacements and starvation. But the journey towards recovery and peace-building efforts is now irreversible, through the signing of a peace agreement in 2018 and the establishment of a transitional government of national unity in 2020.

Our economic recovery has also faced hurdles in recent years due to climate change: we have suffered droughts, rainfall fluctuations, depletion of water sources, and desertification of vast expanses of land. These factors have significant implications for the ability of the most vulnerable, including children and women, to access health and education services. 

During times of crisis, the European Union has consistently demonstrated its commitment to South Sudan’s independence and prosperity. Since 2011, the EU has invested over €1 billion in the development of our nation through various funding tools, including the Horn of Africa Trust Fund, and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). In response to devastating floods that took place in 2020, the EU contributed €1.4 million to support the water and sanitation needs of the affected population. Furthermore, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU mobilized €49.1 million to strengthen our health system, support economic recovery, and enhance our social support systems.

As we look to the future, with continued support from our European partners, we anticipate a robust economic recovery as a peace dividend, underpinned by our unwavering dedication to prevent conflict and build resilience against the impacts of climate change. Our leadership’s commitment to free and fair elections in 2024 further solidifies our path to recovery. We have also made strides in establishing a legal framework that fosters a positive political and civic environment leading up to the elections.

While we eagerly await our first national elections, the stellar performance of our national basketball team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in September 2023 served as a unifying force for our entire nation. The South Sudanese “Bright Stars” were the top African team in the tournament, enabling them to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games next year. NBA veteran Royal Ivey, who is now South Sudan’s head basketball coach, aptly described our national team’s performance as an embodiment of “unity, camaraderie, love, and friendship” for our country.

South Sudan stands ready for a groundbreaking year, with its inaugural national election and a monumental debut in basketball at Paris 2024. Despite past challenges, our nation’s resilience and unity, as demonstrated by our success on the global sporting stages, serve as a testament to our promising and hopeful future.

Mr Samuel Luate Lominsuk is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and the Head of the Mission of the Republic of South Sudan to the European Union.

The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.