Juba told to fund own humanitarian response in latest diplomatic pressure

JUBA – South Sudan’s transitional government is facing mounting international pressure to take greater responsibility for addressing its own crises, after Western embassies urged authorities in Juba to use national resources to respond to the country’s worsening humanitarian situation, particularly in Jonglei’s Akobo County.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States said the government must move beyond reliance on international aid and begin supporting its citizens directly, starting with conflict-affected areas in Jonglei State.

“We call on South Sudan’s leaders to end the violence, return to political dialogue, ensure the protection of all civilians, and use their national resources to start helping their own people, starting with Akobo,” the statement said.

The diplomats stressed that while international partners remain committed to providing life-saving assistance, external support cannot substitute for accountable governance and sustained domestic action.

The call follows growing concern over the humanitarian fallout from recent fighting in Akobo County, where clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and opposition forces have forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee, with aid organisations also suspending operations due to insecurity.

“We note that those organisations left Akobo alongside hundreds of thousands of civilians due to the SSPDF’s military operations,” the missions said. “We are deeply concerned that actions by South Sudan’s transitional government have contributed to the very humanitarian crisis now requiring an international response.”

The statement further warned that the government’s actions have, over time, worsened the country’s humanitarian situation, even as it continues to depend on foreign assistance to mitigate the impact.

It also raised alarm over continued restrictions on humanitarian access, including reported denials of flight clearances for aid delivery and evacuation efforts, which have further complicated relief operations in affected areas.

“We continue to support life-saving assistance, but lasting stability is dependent upon the actions of South Sudan’s transitional government to honour its commitments, protect its people, and take responsibility for the welfare of its population,” the diplomats added.

The latest remarks come just days after the United States Embassy in Juba issued a separate statement urging South Sudan’s leadership to finance its own electoral process and create conditions for credible polls, instead of relying on external funding.

In that statement, Washington stressed that meaningful elections require political will, accountability, and inclusive dialogue, warning that credible polls cannot take place while key opposition figures remain detained. The U.S. specifically called for the release of First Vice President Riek Machar, saying genuine dialogue under the 2018 peace agreement cannot proceed in his absence.

The two statements demonstrate a dramatic shift in tone among international partners, who are increasingly pressing South Sudan’s government to demonstrate self-reliance and political responsibility ahead of the country’s long-delayed elections and deepening humanitarian challenges.