The 400,000 USAID Deaths That Nicholas Kristof Will Not Tell You About

The role of USAID in the development and subsequent collapse of South Sudan. It emphasizes the troubling reality of corruption and mismanagement in a country that was heavily reliant on American aid and intervention. The piece draws attention to the significant loss of life and challenges the narrative presented by commentators like Nicholas Kristof, who focus on individual tragedies without addressing the broader failures of the aid system.

1. Nicholas Kristof’s Narrative:

● Kristof cites the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl, Achol Deng, to illustrate the consequences of cuts to USAID. However, he neglects to mention the 400,000 deaths attributed to civil war and the mismanagement of billions in oil revenue intended for public services.

2. South Sudan’s Creation:

● South Sudan was established as part of a U. S. initiative after a referendum in 2011, supported by numerous political and humanitarian groups. The U. S. played a substantial role in creating a nation characterized by fragile institutions from the outset.

3. Initial Promises and Failures:

● Political leaders like Susan Rice, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama celebrated South Sudan's independence as a significant achievement. However, just over two years later, the nation fell into civil war, leading to massive loss of life.

4. Corruption and Mismanagement:

● The country experienced extreme corruption under President Salva Kiir, who was supported by the U. S. despite being unable to govern effectively. The U. S. built the local government infrastructure but failed to establish accountability, resulting in the looting of resources.

5. Failed Governance and Institutional Capacity:

● USAID efforts to foster governance were deeply flawed, with a major contract awarded to Deloitte that lacked adequate monitoring systems. Despite spending vast sums on building governance, no elections were successfully held in the ensuing years.

6. Oil Wealth and External Influence:

● South Sudan possesses significant oil reserves, yet the benefits never reached the intended public services. Instead, revenues were siphoned off by the ruling elite and foreign entities, primarily China and Malaysia, following U. S. sanctions that pushed Western companies out.

7. Consequences of U. S. Support:

● The military and infrastructure funded by the U. S. ultimately contributed to the civil conflict. There was insufficient development of self-sufficient governing institutions, resulting in ongoing reliance on foreign aid for basic needs.

8. Unaccounted Deaths and Missed Narratives:

● Kristof and similar narratives focus on personal tragedies while ignoring the larger picture of systematic failures caused by U. S. policy and support. The piece calls attention to the unknown number of deaths from the humanitarian crisis that ensued after the collapse of state structures.

This analysis portrays a stark reality of South Sudan's dependence on U. S. aid and highlights how costly mistakes led to tragedy and unrest. It emphasizes the need for a critical reassessment of foreign aid policies and the accountability of those involved in nation-building exercises, urging a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at play in regions like South Sudan. 

https://datarepublican.substack.com/p/the-400000-usaid-deaths-that-nicholas?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3332196&post_id=204763921&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email