US appoints a special envoy for South Sudan
Saturday February 01 2020
Stuart Symington, the special envoy for South Sudan. PHOTO | COURTESY
The United States has appointed Stuart Symington as the special envoy for South Sudan.
In a statement on Friday, the State Department said Mr Symington will lead Washington’s efforts to support the peace process and a successful political transition in South Sudan.
Symington previously served as Chief of Mission to Nigeria from 2016-2019, to Rwanda from 2008-2011, and to Djibouti from 2006-2008.
He also served as the US Special Representative for the Central African Republic from 2014-2016.
This past week, The United States voiced anger at South Sudan’s warring parties for failing to resolve differences.
US has also imposed sanctions on a number of government officials, accusing them of obstructing peace efforts.
The US was a major player in pushing for the creation of South Sudan in 2011, and has poured billions of dollars in aid.
South Sudan plunged into civil war in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his then deputy Dr Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.