Biden Declines Meeting with South Sudan’s Kiir, Calls for Progress

US President Joe Biden has turned down a request from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to have a discussion with him, instead recommending one of his government officials for the meeting. This comes as the United States reaffirmed its support for South Sudan’s independence and its people’s desire for peace, free and fair elections, appropriate use of resources, and prosperity.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs congratulated the Minister on his recent appointment and highlighted the United States’ longstanding support for South Sudan. However, the letter also expressed concern over the slow pace of the implementation of the peace agreement in the country.

The United States has been a key player in the peace process in South Sudan, and President Biden’s decision to decline a meeting with President Kiir sends a strong message about the importance of progress in the country. The slow pace of the implementation of the peace agreement has been a major concern for the international community, and the United States has been vocal in its criticism of the transitional government’s failure to address the basic needs of its citizens.

The letter from the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs emphasized the United States’ foundational values of human rights, government accountability, and transparent use of public revenue. It also acknowledged the international community’s role in providing humanitarian and lifesaving assistance to the people of South Sudan.

Overall, the United States’ reaffirmation of its support for South Sudan comes with a critical tone, highlighting the slow pace of progress in the country and the need for the transitional government to address the basic needs of its citizens. President Biden’s decision to decline a meeting with President Kiir sends a strong message about the importance of progress in the country, and the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.