By Matik Kueth
The Outgoing British Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, has called for greater focus on peace, essential services and the needs of ordinary citizens, saying South Sudan’s resources should contribute to long-term development.
Ashley made this appeal while addressing the media in Juba on Thursday, as he prepares to leave South Sudan after nearly two years as Britain’s representative.
He said South Sudan’s development should be understood within the context of Britain’s long-standing relationship with the country.
“Today, despite the rains, it’s been a pleasure to serve as the British Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan for the last nearly two years. I will be sad to leave next week,” Ashley said.
He added, “The UK has remained a close and loyal friend to the people of South Sudan before and ever since independence.”
Ashley stated that Britain’s interest is to see South Sudan achieve peace and development while contributing to stability and prosperity in the wider region.
“My remarks today should be seen in that light, as ambassador and representative of a loyal friend whose only interest is to support a peaceful, developed South Sudan as part of a stable, prosperous region,” he stated.
He stressed that South Sudan faces significant needs, particularly in health, education, food security and other essential services, and highlighted the importance of using national resources to address those priorities.
The outgoing Ambassador also pointed to the scale of UK support to vulnerable communities during his tenure.
“I’m very proud of the support that we have given during the time that I have been ambassador to the people of this country,” he said.
He noted that the UK supported 230,000 girls and children with disabilities to remain in school last year.
Ashley further said Britain funded emergency food assistance for 1.26 million people and provided multipurpose cash assistance to 1.2 million people.
He stated that such assistance was intended to support vulnerable communities while helping create conditions for longer-term development.
Ashley is expected to leave South Sudan next week, with Rebecca Fabrizi appointed to succeed him as the UK’s ambassador.