FILE PHOTO: U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler - Credit: Eye Radio

The United States Embassy in Juba has expressed support for international business engagement in South Sudan but raised concerns over a lack of transparency in the country’s investment and mining sectors.

In a statement shared with Eye Radio, the Embassy said Ambassador Michael J. Adler conveyed these concerns during an April 9 meeting with Mining Minister Lasuba Lodoro.

The Embassy said that while the U.S. government supports American businesses operating in South Sudan and aims to encourage further investment, progress depends on improved accountability.

“The reason we are not in a position to successfully encourage more U.S. investment is because of the lack of transparency and security, both of which are connected to the failure to use public revenue and public office transparently,” the statement stated.

It added that although the issue is particularly pronounced in the mining sector, the concern extends across the broader economy.

According to the Embassy, the U.S. private sector lacks confidence in South Sudan’s investment environment, citing what it described as limited commitment by the transitional government to uphold transparent business practices.

The statement further emphasized that South Sudanese citizens have waited too long for peace and to benefit from the country’s natural resources.

Despite the concerns, the Embassy expressed confidence that increased U.S. investment could contribute to South Sudan’s economic growth, calling for reforms to create a more transparent and conducive business environment.