The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan confirmed the United States’ commitment to allocate over $57 million to address urgent needs arising from the crisis in South Sudan. This statement was made by Elizabeth Campbell, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, during her visit to Juba, where she was accompanied by Josh Black, a senior advisor from the U.S. National Security Council. This funding is part of a larger commitment that totals over $399 million announced by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on July 18, bringing total U.S. humanitarian aid to South Sudan since its independence to more than $7.3 billion.
Campbell expressed disappointment with the transitional government’s failure to create conditions for credible and peaceful elections. She called for all parties to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that readiness to participate is a key indicator of political will to build a better future for the people of South Sudan.
She highlighted the responsibilities of the South Sudanese transitional government to utilize public revenue to assist nearly 75% of its population and more than 740,000 people who have fled Sudan since April 2023. Campbell also urged the establishment of a system for consistent and full implementation of tax and fee exemptions for the UN mission and humanitarian organizations in South Sudan.
The U.S. officials also met with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and representatives from civil society, the UN, and various organizations, along with visiting the Gorum refugee camp.
The statement stressed that the long-standing relationship between the United States and South Sudan is built on shared values including peace, human rights, democracy, and the obligation of governments to respond to their people’s needs. Campbell looked forward to South Sudan’s leaders aligning with these values.
