Outgoing British ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, has called on the government to prioritize investment in health, education, and young people over spending on vehicles for members of the outgoing parliament. In his farewell remarks in Juba on October 1, 2026, Ashley expressed disappointment over the reported allocation of 900 vehicles for MPs at a cost of $85 million. He noted that this expenditure could have been better utilized to support the country's health and education sectors.
Ashley highlighted that the South Sudan government had pledged $10m to the World Bank-led Health Systems Transformation Project, which supports about 85% of functioning health facilities in the country. However, he revealed that the government had yet to fulfil this funding commitment. The Health Systems Transformation Project aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in South Sudan. Ashley's comments underscore the need for the government to prioritize the needs of its citizens.
The diplomat also emphasized the importance of investing in the country's young population. He noted that South Sudan can benefit from its youthful population, but this requires investment in their health, education, and opportunities. Ashley's remarks come at a time when international aid to South Sudan is declining, while humanitarian needs are increasing. The country is facing significant challenges, including displacement, flooding, drought, and crop failures.
Ashley called for lasting peace and better management of public finances to address the country's challenges. He warned that the reduction in international assistance since early 2025 had affected the country and that the situation could become more difficult in the coming months. The diplomat emphasized the need for peace to prevent further displacement and deaths and to allow people to farm in safety.
In addition to his concerns about investment in health and education, Ashley also urged South Sudan to make better use of its own resources. He noted that the country earns billions per year in oil revenues and that using these resources for the benefit of its people is crucial for sustainable development. Ashley's comments highlight the need for the government to prioritize the needs of its citizens.
Ashley also warned that poorly prepared elections could fuel further violence in the country. He urged South Sudan to ensure an inclusive, peaceful, and credible electoral process, scheduled for December. The diplomat emphasized that democracy is a process, not an event, and that the UK supports calls by the African Union and regional actors for genuinely inclusive, peaceful, and credible elections.
The diplomat called for greater political and civic space ahead of the vote in South Sudan, saying voters should have a genuine choice and candidates should be able to campaign freely. He expressed hope that the elections, if they happen in December, will be credible, with an open campaign and freedom for candidates to engage with the media and hold meetings.
Key points
- The outgoing UK ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, has urged the government to prioritize investment in health, education, and young people over spending $85m on vehicles for MPs.
- Ashley expressed disappointment over the government's allocation of 900 vehicles for MPs while the government had yet to fulfil a $10m funding pledge to a major health programme.
- The diplomat warned that poorly prepared elections could fuel further violence, urging South Sudan to ensure an inclusive, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
