Troika urges South Sudanese leaders to reject violence as a tool for competition

By Benjamin Takpiny

The United States, Norway and United Kingdom on Tuesday called on the South Sudanese leaders to reject violence as a tool for competition in the country.

“Our engagement to support the people of what is today South Sudan began decades ago, and it began truly as people-to-people engagement.  It was and remains based on values including peace, human rights, democracy, and people’s right to a government that is responsive to their needs, not to that of a small elite,” said Ambassador Michael J. Adler, the U.S ambassador to South Sudan on behalf of the Troika.

This came after the Troika envoys meeting in Juba with the Minister of Presidential Affairs Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation James Pitia Morgan on Monday.

Adler said that they continue to look for signs that South Sudanese leaders share these values.

 “The best way for them to show this is for the transitional government to take the steps necessary to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections by December of this year.  We urge all of South Sudan’s leaders to take these necessary steps, and we   urge them to reject violence as a tool for competition,” he said.

Adler said that another way to demonstrate alignment with the foundational values in their bilateral relationships would be for the transitional government to start using public revenue transparently to meet public needs.

“This includes funding for humanitarian support for returnees from Sudan, for the health sector, education and other basic services, and for consistent salary payments to security personnel and civil servants, as well as funding for necessary electoral institutions,” said Adler.

“We say again that we began our engagement here because of our values, and these values start with peace.  We look for signs that these priorities are shared by South Sudan’s leaders.  History will look as well.  History will judge,” he added.