Matik Kueth
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The United States of America has challenged South Sudanese leaders to avoid any use of violence as an instrument for political competition ahead of December polls.
In a statement seen by The City Review on Friday, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan, Peter Lord, said his visit to South Sudan was to engage leaders to make crucial steps for the peaceful conduct of the December 2024 general elections.
“I came to talk about the urgent need for all South Sudanese leaders to take the steps necessary to hold credible and peaceful elections in December and to reject violence as a tool for political competition,” Lord said.
He said failure to do so “would be a collective failure for which South Sudan’s leaders would share responsibility.”
Lord noted that the “United States hope to see the leaders in the country own up the responsibility to lead the country into democratic elections.”
“The United States support to the people of South Sudan began decades ago It is based on our conviction that the people of this country deserve peace, human rights, and democracy,” he said.
He added, “And a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens. We continue to look for signs that South Sudan’s leaders share these values.”
He said the transitional government should demonstrate its alignment with values through the transparent use of public revenue to fund public needs.
“By protecting its population from violence, including sexual and gender-based violence,. Such steps will help demonstrate sincere support for peace. It is the responsibility of South Sudan’s leaders to provide nothing less to the people of South Sudan,” he stated.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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