UK reaffirms support for South Sudan despite political tensions

David Ashley, the newly appointed British Ambassador to South Sudan, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s enduring commitment to supporting peace, development, and democracy in South Sudan.

Despite growing regional and international pressures due to the political and security tension in the country, Ashley emphasized the strength of historic UK-South Sudan ties and outlined the UK’s continued role in supporting the South Sudanese people.

Speaking after presenting his credentials to President Salva Kiir, Ashley emphasized that the UK will remain committed to the South Sudanese people and continue its efforts toward peace and stability.

“The United Kingdom and South Sudan enjoy historic ties. The UK has been a steadfast champion of the people of South Sudan for many years,” Ashley said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“I confirmed to His Excellency the President that the British Embassy will stay and will continue its support to the South Sudanese people.”

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has received over $2.2 billion in UK aid. This assistance has targeted key sectors including health, education, and humanitarian relief.

Ashley highlighted the impact of these investments, noting the UK’s role in supporting food security, education, and disease prevention.

“We are, for example, proud to have supported 400,000 individuals each year with food and cash assistance, to have facilitated over 1 million students to attend school and to have vaccinated over 1.5 million children against deadly diseases,” he stated.

Amid mounting concerns over continued violence and recent ceasefire violations, Ashley stressed the necessity of peace as the foundation for national progress.

“So, peace must be the basis for development. Neither South Sudan, nor the region, nor the world can afford another conflict here,”

He specifically condemned the recent bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak on May 3rd, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all political detainees, including the first vice-president Dr. Riek Machar.

Looking ahead to the country's much-anticipated elections, Ashley cautioned that recent instability is making that goal harder to achieve, and reiterated the essential conditions needed to ensure credible, free, and fair elections.

“Clearly, for elections to take place, there needs to be several things. There needs to be the resources in place, the institutions in place. There needs to be security for people for both the voters and the candidates to campaign,” he explained.

The Ambassador underscored the UK's decision to maintain its presence in Juba, even as other nations withdraw due to financial or security reasons.

“The UK will stay in Juba, and we will continue to provide support to the people of South Sudan,” the Ambassador added.