Today, President Obama announced the appointment of Ambassador Donald Booth as the new U.S. special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan.
The appointment of Ambassador Booth comes at a cirtical time for the United States to bolster its efforts support peace within Sudan and between Sudan South Sudan. Enough Project Co-Founder John Prendergast states,
“The challenges facing Ambassador Booth are enormous. U.S. policy as presently articulated is inadequate to those challenges. Without policy change, Booth has little chance of fulfilling the objective of the position. The U.S. must work aggressively to develop a new approach to war-torn Sudan, in particular helping to create an African-led peace process that addresses all of Sudan’s conflicts, rather than dealing with them one by one, as the present, failed model does. He should also work to focus U.S. policy on democratic transformations in both Sudan and South Sudan. The entrenched dictatorship in Khartoum and the lack of democratic institutions in Juba are fundamental drivers for present and future conflict. The U.S. can play a pivotal role in both countries if it prioritizes the building of leverage in support of comprehensive peace in the region.”
In the White House press statement, President Obama stated that Ambassador Booth will lead the way to "spearhead U.S. efforts to press the parties to implement last year’s September 27 agreements and resolve their outstanding issues, including with respect to borders, the final status of Abyei, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil."
Secretay of State John Kerry adds, "The President's appointment today of Ambassador Booth as our Special Envoy underscores the United States' enduring commitment to the people of Sudan and South Sudan, and to the cause of peace between and within their two countries."
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Photo: Newly appointed U.S. special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Ambassador Donald Booth and President Obama speak at the White House (White House/Pete Souza)