The newly appointed U.S. Army Defense Attaché to South Sudan, Lt. Col. Stephen J. Karr, has pledged to strengthen military-to-military relations between the United States and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Karr made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the SSPDF military headquarters in Juba, where he formally introduced himself to SSPDF Spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang following his appointment as the new U.S. Army Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in South Sudan.
Karr succeeds Lt. Col. Philip Roll in the position and said he was committed to promoting a professional and mutually beneficial relationship between the two military institutions.
“I look forward to building on the strong military-to-military relationship between the United States and the SSPDF. Through continued dialogue, professional engagement and cooperation, we can strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to a constructive and lasting partnership,” Karr said.
Welcoming the new Defense Attaché, SSPDF Spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang reaffirmed the national army’s readiness to maintain and strengthen military engagement with the United States.
“We welcome Lt. Col. Stephen J. Karr to South Sudan and reaffirm the SSPDF’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening our military engagement with the United States Army,” Koang said.
Koang said continued professional dialogue and cooperation would help build mutual trust and understanding between the two institutions.
“We value professional dialogue and cooperation as important elements in building mutual trust and understanding between our two institutions,” he said.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained communication and professional military engagement as the two sides seek to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.
For the SSPDF, continued engagement with the United States comes as South Sudan works to strengthen its national security institutions and advance the broader peace process. For Washington, engagement with South Sudan remains part of a wider effort to support peace, stability and the well-being of the South Sudanese people.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their readiness for continued constructive engagement and closer professional relations between the U.S. Army and the SSPDF.
The visit comes against the backdrop of longstanding relations between South Sudan and the United States.
Washington played an important role in supporting the peace process that led to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which paved the way for South Sudan’s referendum on self-determination and eventual independence.
The relationship, however, has also faced challenges, particularly over South Sudan’s political transition, conflict and human rights concerns.
In recent years, Washington has continued to press South Sudanese leaders to advance peace and accountability while maintaining support for the South Sudanese people.
In May 2026, the United States announced targeted visa restrictions against individuals it said were involved in undermining peace in South Sudan, while reiterating its support for South Sudanese citizens seeking peace and dignity.
Against this wider diplomatic background, Karr’s engagement with the SSPDF highlights the continuing importance of direct professional dialogue between the two countries’ security institutions.