Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale’s Meeting with Sudanese Women and Youth Leaders
![South Sudan [shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/South-Sudan-e1555938627263-2502x1406.jpg)
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July 29, 2019
July 9, 2019
February 20, 2019
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-South Sudan Relations
The U.S. recognized South Sudan as a sovereign, independent state on July 9, 2011, following its secession from Sudan. Several disputes between Sudan and South Sudan remain unresolved post-independence, including demarcation of the border, status and rights of the citizens of each country in the other, and the status of the Abyei region. Abuses against civilians, including appalling levels of sexual violence, have forced more than four million people to flee their homes and left seven million South Sudanese – over half the population – in need of humanitarian assistance in 2018. Prospects for peace are uncertain, as South Sudan’s government has shown a reluctance to end the fighting or to prioritize the needs of its citizens. The U.S. has been deeply involved in international efforts to end the conflict.
U.S. Assistance to South Sudan
The U.S. government is the leading international donor to South Sudan, and provides lifesaving humanitarian assistance such as food, nutrition, protection, clean water and sanitation, as well as essential services such as food, nutrition support, emergency water and sanitation interventions, health care, and education to millions of South Sudanese citizens displaced or otherwise affected since the start of the crisis in December 2013. The U.S. government also supports civil society and independent media to ensure that diverse voices are heard, and supports activities in conflict mitigation, trauma awareness and reconciliation. The U.S. has urged the international community to join in efforts to assist those affected by the ongoing violence.
![South Sudan Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side contains a gold, five-pointed star; black represents the people of South Sudan, red the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green the verdant land, and blue the waters of the Nile; the gold star represents the unity of the states making up South Sudan note: resembles the flag of Kenya; one of only two national flags to display six colors as part of its primary design, the other is South Africa's [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/od-lgflag.gif){kind=small}