A top U.S. politician visiting South Sudan wants the Donald Trump administration to maintain assistance to the country, despite severe cuts in foreign aid proposed by the incumbent.
Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware), who is in rebel-controlled Ganyiel, said he was shocked to learn that the town’s entire population depends on humanitarian agencies for food.
The senator noted there are no roads going into and out of Ganyiel, so all equipment and relief aid must be delivered by air, which is extremely expensive.
“We will have to make stronger arguments for why particular UN missions and particular countries should remain a priority,” VOA reports Coons to say.
“South Sudan currently has the largest and most difficult refugee problem in the entire continent of 54 countries. I think it should remain a priority but there will be some difficult negotiations between Congress and the Trump administration,” said Coons.
South Sudan has been rid by war since December 2013, following President Salva Kiir’s allegations that his-then deputy Riek Machar was plotting a coup against his government. Machar denied the allegations but then went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.
The United Nations had listed South Sudan as Africa’s largest refugee crisis, and the third largest in the world after Syria and Afghanistan.
Thousands have been killed by the war in the country, with more than a million fleeing to neighbouring countries.
Earlier this year, the UN warned of a possible genocide erupting in the country, urging the leaders to end the war.
Coons urged the U.S. government to maintain its presence and support to South Sudan, also urging the African country’s leaders to work towards achieving peace.
