Alex Deprez at Eye Radio on July 2, 2013

South Sudan should invest and develop its media sector, to accelerate development, and realize a democratic state, the Deputy Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development told Eye Radio.

Alex Deprez says the freedom of the press, needs to be enshrined in South Sudan’s Constitution, and upheld by law.

“As the nation builds its legislative, its judicial, its executive functions, it also needs to build its press –its information, because that is a very important part of a democracy. It is a very important part of democratic institution; it is a very important part of the nation.”

Mr. Deprez who visited Eye Radio yesterday describes how free media could help boost development in South Sudan:

“Our country, the United State of America, we believe that press and freedom of information has greatly contributed to our progress across the board, and we believe if South Sudan can also invest in its freedom of the press and support its media, then it will also benefit -in the long run –as it builds up its institutions and the rest of its nation.”

Mister Deprez also said that, South Sudan will continue to receive support from the US government, as it enters its third year since independence.

“You have the support of the American people towards building a democratic state, one that gives opportunities to all of its citizens, protect all of its citizens, delivers services as well and is a great partner to its neighbors and also to the United States of American.”

USAID is involved in various sectors in South Sudan.

The humanitarian arm of the US government supports democracy and governance programs, building the agriculture sector, procuring of pharmaceuticals in the health sector, infrastructural development, capacity building of government institutions, including humanitarian assistance and conflict mitigation.