THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024 37 Time for a Development Reset? Still, the realization that good intentions do not always result in good assistance implementation is growing. Despite many years and billions of dollars in aid, South Sudan continues to rank poorly on major indicators such as GDP, education, life expectancy, stability, freedom, infrastructure, and basic services— the country came in at 192 of 193 on the 2022 UN Human Development Index. This phenomenon of limited returns on aid investments has contributed to decreased funding and heightened competition among aid organizations. Coupled with the severe economic crisis and looming elections, however, a drop in donor funding might constitute an opportunity for South Sudan to seize the moment and reclaim control. Currently, aid organizations manage many government responsibilities, including education, health, infrastructure, and aid for the poor. As this support wanes, the government and people of South Sudan have a unique chance to assume greater responsibility and take the initiative. It would be beneficial for Western partners to collaborate with South Sudan on a strategic transition plan, empowering the nation to achieve greater self-sufficiency. Many will argue that South Sudan is not yet ready and that humanitarian aid is the only viable form of assistance in such a fragile context. They maintain that humanitarian aid is the most appropriate response in the face of hunger and, at times, potential famine. This perspective reflects what could be labeled the “humanitarian reflex”—that is, to jump into business-as-usual mode at the sign of crisis, and repeat the same initiatives over and over again, despite their contested effectiveness. Today, after years of mixed success with humanitarian projects, it is time to shift from humanitarian assistance to long-term development and resilience-building. This year may be ideal for this transition in South Sudan because previous interventions have laid the foundations for sustainable progress. South Sudan can now capitalize on the current relative stability to invest in systems and infrastructure that empower communities, promote self-reliance, and address root causes of vulnerability. A significant challenge here might be aligning the interests of the various countries providing aid in South Sudan to act in an organized joint effort rather than with limited coordination and competing interests that is otherwise typical. Indeed, some international nongovernmental organizations have already begun experimenting with novel approaches, such as partnering with local universities to strengthen food system resilience. These and other initiatives are creating momentum and opportunities for dialogue and change. Building a Brighter Future After many experiences in this country—some frustrating, others inspiring—I remain optimistic and hopeful. South Sudan, which many aren’t even aware is an independent nation, is full of young people with potential and a vision for the future of their nation. (About half of the country’s 12.7 million population is under the age of 18.) They live in a sparsely populated land rich in natural resources and full of raw materials. Some say that South Sudan has the potential to overcome its current calorie deficit and to feed all of East Africa, if peace is achieved and agricultural production scaled. And peace is, indeed, what is needed, along with a phased, but determined, reduction of humanitarian aid to enable and encourage the people to cultivate their lands again. Shaping the future is first and foremost a task for the South Sudanese. However, the West and the United States have an important supporting role to play in this transition. American support has been crucial to South Sudan since its independence, and now, the focus should shift toward fostering sustainable development and self-reliance. By primarily supporting initiatives co-created with the South Sudanese that promote education, infrastructure, and economic development, while phasing out humanitarian aid where possible, the U.S. and partners can help South Sudan build a more stable and prosperous future. I am convinced that with the right support and a strategic exit from dependencies on aid, this country can have a bright future. While South Sudan faces significant challenges, there is hope. The country’s future depends on its ability to navigate challenges and build a foundation for lasting peace and development. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of this young nation for the years to come. n A research team stands in a sorghum field in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan, November 2022. The field excursion is part of a multistakeholder dialogue on food system resilience. JULIUS KAUT
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