South
Sudan’s government on Wednesday urged the U. S. not to “abandon” the country
after Washington said it would review its assistance programmes because it
could n
ot continue a partnership with leaders perpetuating “endless war”.
“We are
asking the U. S. not to abandon this country (South Sudan) because we need them
… their role to assist the population of South Sudan is crucial and cannot be
ignored,” said foreign affairs ministry spokesman Mawien Ariik.
The U. S. is
the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to South Sudan, which has been in
the throes of a civil war since late 2013 that has displaced around a third of
the 12 million-strong population and killed tens of thousands of people.
In a sharply
worded statement on Tuesday the White House said the United States was a “proud
and hopeful supporter” of South Sudan when it gained independence in 2011.
“Seven years
later, the leaders of this country have squandered this partnership … killed
their own people, and repeatedly demonstrated their inability and unwillingness
to live up to their commitments to end the country’s civil war.”
The U.S.
funding provides aid to millions of South Sudanese refugees in Uganda and
lifesaving assistance such as food to people still inside the war-torn country.
Washington’s
statement says the U. S. is committed to saving lives but does not want its
assistance to “prolong the conflict” or facilitate corrupt behavior by elites.
Production
in some of South Sudan’s oil fields has been shut down due to the conflict, but
the government says around 130,000 barrels per day of oil are being produced.
Juba spends
well more than half its budget on weapons and paying soldiers, according to UN
experts.
Washington
should “reconsider whatever harsh matter they are taking against this country”,
Ariik told Reuters.
The
government led by President Salva Kiir is fighting a war with a number of rebel
groups, some of them loyal to former vice president Riek Machar, who is under
house arrest in South Africa.
The warring
parties signed a ceasefire in December in the Ethiopian capital, but it was
violated within hours.
A new round
of talks is scheduled to begin o May 26 after delays, but there is little hope
among diplomats it will end the war.
“The
Government of South Sudan has lost credibility, and the U. S. is losing
patience,” the White House declared. (Reuters/NAN)
0 Comments