The outgoing UK Ambassador, David Ashely addressing Journalists in Juba on 01/10/2026. Photo credit: Ezekiel Idris

By Ezekiel Idris

The UK government has expressed frustration with the South Sudanese government after it pledged to give 900 vehicles to members of parliament last week, a move which could cost $85 million.
Addressing the media, the outgoing British Ambassador, David Ashely, said South Sudan can genuinely benefit from its young population; however, investment in Health, Education, and opportunities for the country’s children and youth is crucial.
“South Sudan can genuinely benefit from that young population, but it needs to invest in health, education, and in the opportunities for the children and youth of this country. So if South Sudan has $85 million to spend, surely it makes sense to invest that in the children and the youth, not in vehicles for outgoing MPs,” said Amb. Ashley

Amb. David said that the UK government will continue to press for progress in managing public finances, starting with the essentials, including prompt payment of salaries and a significant increase in the budgetary allocation to health and education.
“We will support work to track down where stolen public resources are being hidden away, and we will look to sanction those responsible,” said the outgoing UK Ambassador.

Ashley, reiterated his only interest to support a peaceful, developed South Sudan as part of a stable, prosperous region. He further said that the UK has remained a loyal and close friend to the people of South Sudan before and since independence.
“The UK has remained a close and loyal friend to the people of South Sudan before and ever since independence,” said Amb. Ashley.
Highlighting his key achievements during his time as Ambassador to South Sudan, Ashley said that the UK supported numerous humanitarian needs and road projects in the country.
“Last year alone, we supported 230,000 girls and children with disability to remain in school, we funded emergency food assistance to 1,260,000 people and multipurpose cash assistance to 1,200,000 people. We also funded WFP to rehabilitate 400 kilometres of roads, with example of Bor and Pibor road reducing the cost of aid and opening up opportunities for trade early this year,” added the Ambassador.

Also in Health Sector, Ashley noted that through the Global Fund, the UK supported testing and treatment for 320,000 South Sudanese people suffering from malaria, and 100,000 South Sudanese people in livelihood programs to adapt to climate change and build their self-reliance. David said that through Health Assistance, the UK, together with partners, has supported 715 health facilities across South Sudan, as well as 930 boomers and over 14,000 health workers.

While highlighting peace efforts through peace-building initiatives, the UK has supported communities in reducing inter-communal violence, providing up to $100 million in bilateral aid focused on humanitarian assistance, education, health, peace-building, and combating gender-based violence this year, in addition to the far greater amounts the UK contributes as a major contributor to the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and global health, climate, environmental, and education funds.

UK Ambassador David Ashely said the UK’s work has touched millions of South Sudanese and commended the dedication and professionalism of the UK embassy team, adding that the UK’s commitment to the people of South Sudan remained undiminished.