David Shearer exit interview: South Sudan needs to hold elections 15 Apr, 2021 08:18 AM 5 minutes to read David Shearer visits Akobo. Photo / Supplied AP David Shearer said he's leaving the top UN job in South Sudan convinced the world's youngest nation has the potential to become a tourist destination to rival any country in East Africa and the oil and mineral riches to spur economic progress - if it can eliminate corruption and establish a transparent and open government. As the country approaches its 10th anniversary of independence from Sudan on July 11, it has a transitional government in place following a 2018 peace agreement, and a 2020 cease-fire.