US ambassador urges unity government to prioritize unity, security

US Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler speaking in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal on 16 February 2023. [Photo: Radio Tamazuj]

The US ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Alder has urged the unity government to take urgent measures to improve security and foster unity among communities in the country.

The US ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Alder has urged the unity government to take urgent measures to improve security and foster unity among communities in the country. 

While addressing the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Council of Ministers last Thursday, Ambassador Adler said communal violence hinders humanitarian access depriving thousands of vulnerable communities of human needs. 

“We recognize that human factors lay the route on humanitarian crises in South Sudan. These factors include sectional violence which also limits humanitarian access and we renew our call upon the transitional government to take urgent action to address this issue in all parts of the country and hold those responsible for it accountable,” said Alder.

“Humanitarian situation in South Sudan requires coordinated, effective, and efficient support,” he added. 

For her part, Rebecca Nyandeng, South Sudan’s Vice president for the Gender and Youth Cluster, urged government officials to work as a team and provide services to the people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state. 

“I want you to lead the government as one government, not as parties and you will never succeed in anything if you divide yourselves among the parties. Look at the achievements you have done, look at this beautiful place, some ministries in Juba don’t have a hall like this. So don’t lead the government as parties, but as one government and your target group are people of Aweil,” said Nyandeng. 

She also commended the governments and people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes States for maintaining relative security and order.