US Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler|Photo|Courtesy

The US Embassy in Juba has reiterated its call on the transitional government to start using public revenue transparently to address the public needs.

Ambassador Michael J Adler emphasize the need for South Sudan’s leaders to start demonstrating political will to put the interest of their people first.

According to the diplomat, the American people have long understood and supported the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for peace, freedom, and development to achieve their country’s great potential.

Citing, the nation’s $700 million in financial assistance for the South Sudanese over the course of the fiscal year 2023/2024, and the more than $640 million in humanitarian assistance alone, the diplomat said “South Sudanese people have the right to expect their government to take the steps necessary to reverse the longstanding trend of increased humanitarian need and to end aid dependency.”

He stated that the American people want to see the transitional government start taking the steps necessary to create an environment that is conducive to both effective development assistance and responsible private investment.

These steps he said, include upholding human rights and holding those who violate these rights accountable.

Additionally, “meeting peace commitments and creating conditions necessary to make the current extension of the transitional period the last one, ending with credible and peaceful elections without further delay.”

He went on to state that “these steps must include the transparent use of public revenue to appropriately pay for salaries, public services, humanitarian response, and other basic needs.”

He further said that the US government’s conviction is that the South Sudanese people should have a government that is accountable to them through elections and that uses public revenue appropriately and transparently.

In his Tuesday’s concluding remark, the diplomat said that the time is long overdue for the South Sudanese people to enjoy the universal rights.