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Aly-Khan Rajani, the new Canadian ambassador to South Sudan, reveals the unique similarities between his home country and his workstation.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuje on Canada Day, July 1, Ambassador Rajani, who arrived in Juba in September 2023, said he believes South Sudan is a country with great potential, rich in human capital and natural resources.
Edited excerpts follow:
Q: Ambassador Rajani, what was your first impression of South Sudan?
AIt’s been a great honor and in many ways it feels like I’ve come home. I think my first impression when I came here was that the people here are so welcoming and they really have such hope for their country, and that impression has stayed ingrained in my work.
I see a country with great potential, rich in human capital and natural resources. I am impressed by the young people because there are so many of them. When I see some of our projects, I see that they bring a dynamism that can be harnessed. Another impression is looking at South Sudan from a geopolitical perspective. I think it has a very important place in the region, which is crucial for peace and stability in the country. This is because it not only ensures a brighter future for South Sudan, but I believe, it also contributes to the stability of the region.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between Canada and South Sudan?
AI think it’s important to look back at our history before independence. In fact, initially it was only at the consular level, and immediately after independence, Canada announced its intention to open an embassy in Juba. This was based on the belief that the people of South Sudan aspire to a free and independent country and that they deserve our support, not only to become a democratic country, but also to achieve development. As you all know, South Sudan has a lot of needs. From the beginning, Canada has expressed its desire to support the country’s development, especially the development of its people.
Another interesting part is that we have a lot more in common than we think. Both countries have 10 states, while we have 10 provinces. South Sudan has three administrative regions, and Canada has three territories. I think both countries have rich natural resources and agricultural potential.
The other part is recognizing our rich tradition in diversity. It’s more about ethnic backgrounds here, but Canada is a country built on different classes of immigrants.
I think we should also acknowledge that both countries are on their own paths to truth, reconciliation and healing. We both have our own histories, and we are working to improve our histories and move forward together.
We also focus on how our people are connected to each other, and I mean the South Sudanese diaspora in Canada. Thousands of people have come to Canada and contributed to the country’s economy and multicultural fabric. Others have chosen to return to support South Sudan’s development. This has impressed me deeply.
For example, we have a refugee exchange education program through an organization called World University Services Canada (WUSC). I know and have met many South Sudanese who came to Canada through the WUSC program and have actually now returned to South Sudan and are working in government, NGOs, and even private industry.
When they came to see me, they told me that they understood both places and wanted to work with the embassy, civil society and other organizations to help build these bridges. It really shows our shared values and how our souls are connected to build both countries together and make them better.
Q: What is Canada’s humanitarian priority right now and why?
ACanada’s engagement in South Sudan is based on two pillars of our policy. One is a feminist foreign policy and the other is a feminist international aid policy. These policies are built on the idea that women and girls, their rights and prosperity are at the heart of our programs. All the programs we work on focus on gender equality and take a feminist approach.
When we provide assistance to humanitarian projects, a lot of our work is gender-responsive in nature. This ensures that women have access to food and water and are able to meet some of the needs of their families.
Do they have the means? Do they have the capacity to achieve their goals? That’s a collective responsibility. But it’s also important to look at the rules of society, to make them culturally appropriate, and to make sure that the needs of these people, especially women and girls, are met.
We are exploring the idea of true protection, ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and rights are taken care of, and that women and girls are not harmed and targeted for gender-based violence as they work to meet the needs of their people.
You may be wondering who we work with. The beauty of Canada’s relationship with South Sudan is that we work closely with the government, local and international NGOs, and various UN partners and other multilateral partners like the World Bank.
We have a wide range of programs focused on health, agriculture, education, and basic needs across the country to help alleviate poverty and meet the basic needs of the people. We also try to develop programs that target women to strengthen inclusive governance and increase the participation of vulnerable groups in local decision-making. We focus specifically on women and girls, but also on youth. I think this is a key goal to further build prosperity in South Sudan.
Q: What has been the impact of some of your projects in South Sudan?
ASince 2011, Canada has provided more than $1.1 billion in international assistance to South Sudan, covering different projects such as humanitarian assistance, peace and security, and long-term development. In 2021-2022, Canada provided $137 million in international assistance, making Canada the fourth largest bilateral aid donor to South Sudan. Currently, Canada’s projects in food security are approximately $96 million, projects in health are more than $100 million, and projects in education are more than $40 million.
I think that might help illustrate the impact on people because at the end of the day, I think it’s really about the impact on human life.
Q: What final words do you have for the government and people of South Sudan on Canada Day?
AI wish everyone a happy Canada Day, a day when we truly reflect on our shared values. Furthermore, we share many common values that are based on mutual respect, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion, as well as the ideals of human rights, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, building democracy and promoting inclusive economic growth in both our countries. Second, Canada will continue to work with the Government and people of South Sudan to achieve prosperity. I urge everyone in South Sudan to think about their role in building a prosperous and peaceful future. Peace must be the priority now. We look to the future with hope and faith, and with a sense of national pride that together we have worked to build a democratic and peaceful country.
Our vision is one where people have equal rights, can express their opinions, can build their own lives, and live happily together.
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