Oct 06, 2016(Nyamilepedia) —– A huge South Sudan Government delegation, which is currently touring Washington, has one purpose and that is to repair the flattering bilateral relations between the two administrations but to jumpstart a new working relationship, Americans’ interest in South Sudan has to be put at the forefront.
While Kiir’s delegation was excited to get the opportunity to meet the US officials, many US officials are eager to meet the delegation, not because they want to listen to their empty promises, but because of disturbing reports detailing how Americans citizens, including top diplomats, are being raped, attacked or killed by soldiers and presidential guards of president Salva Kiir.
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Many US officials, who have met Taban’s delegation so far, have criticized and condemned the atrocities committed against Americans in Juba.
They demand justice for their citizens and call for immediate deployment of the UNSC backed Regional Protect Force to provide security for all nationals in the capital, Juba, and to secure the airport and other important installations.
Meeting the US National Security Advisor, Susan E. Rice, in Washington yesterday the new First Vice President of South Sudan, Taban Deng, presented his portfolio and the position of his new government under Salva Kiir but his words seems to have felt on deaf ears.
Ambassador Rice responded by affirming the Administration’s strong commitment “to the people of South Sudan” but quickly dived into “grave concerns” about the humanitarian conditions and continued fighting in many parts of the country.
Amb. Rice deplored Kiir’s Government role in continually obstructing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) operations and stressed the need for a rapid deployment of the Regional Protection Force(RPF).
Rice relayed to Taban that the United States was deeply concerned about the alleged participation of government forces in attacks against humanitarian workers at the Terrain Compound in Juba on July 11.
She said that the perpetrators of the attack must be identified and held accountable and that an investigation with international support [FBI] is urgently needed.
Ambassador Rice underscored the need for the South Sudanese Government to engage opposition groups in dialogue and ensure that it governs inclusively, with strong participation by women and without domination by a single ethnic group or political party.
Amb. Rice’s concerns were also aired by other US officials, who met Taban Deng Gai, and warned that only if the government is willing to implement their demands will they compromise to work with Kiir’s crumbling leadership.
Regarding Taban’s controversial appointment, the US officials disregard Taban’s ascend to power and his influence in the peace process saying that it is a problem of South Sudan citizens.
While some officials have clearly stated their opinions saying that Taban has no constituency in South Sudan and has no military backing, Donald Booth and Johny Kerry see Dr. Riek Machar’s return to the government as an obstacle but others strongly underscored that Machar still control an important portion of South Sudan’s political arena and no peace can be achieved without him.
The delegation is main priority is to see the imposed First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai, as a genuine replacement of the ousted First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar – a demand that is now facing many challenges.
Although the delegation was not clear on whether it will implement these demands or not, the young nation will still experience violence for the next few years as long as the current elites continue to cling to power.
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