US says South Sudanese leaders ignored advice

By Ruot George

The United States government said the leadership of South Sudan refused to listen to their advice after independence of the African nation, sliding the country into crisis.

The Charge DE ‘Affairs of the United States embassy in Juba, David Renz, said his country never abandoned South Sudan after it helped its delivery into a country.

“It’s an interesting metaphor, but I don’t think it is complete.  Some of you are parents, or grandparents, and all of you were once teenagers.  We call it the terrible teens, when children assert their independence and dismiss the advice of elders,” Renz said in the capital Juba.

“We didn’t abandon South Sudan, but our advice was not always welcome.”

Renz said the US wants South Sudan to thrive, to be at peace with itself and to prosper. 

“I want this for each of you.  But we can’t want it more than you do.  I can’t want it more than you do.  The future is in your hands.  I’m betting it will be bright.”