The United States has issued a stern warning to South Sudan’s government, accusing it of exploiting foreign assistance while obstructing humanitarian efforts and violating international obligations.
In a statement by the Bureau of African Affairs, the U.S. has called for an immediate halt to these actions or risk a comprehensive review of U.S. aid to the country.
Uncooperative South Sudan
According to the U.S., South Sudanese authorities have imposed illicit costs on humanitarian shipments and obstructed United Nations peacekeeping operations.
“The South Sudanese transitional government continues to impose illicit costs on those trying to help its people, most recently by imposing exorbitant fees on humanitarian shipments and by obstructing UN peacekeeping operations. These actions constitute very shocking violations of South Sudan’s international obligations. We call on the transitional government to halt these actions immediately.”
The U.S. government emphasized that failure to reverse these actions would likely lead to significant reductions in foreign assistance.
“If it does not, the United States will initiate a comprehensive review of our foreign assistance in South Sudan with the likelihood of making significant reductions.”
The statement dismissed claims by South Sudanese leaders that the worsening humanitarian crisis is due to the insufficient donor funding.
Instead, the U.S attributed the crisis to poor governance, mismanagement of public resources, and insecurity fueled by leadership failures.
“The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is driven by poor governance, a failure to spend public revenue for the benefit of the people, the insecurity created by South Sudanese leaders, and the predatory rent-seeking that is directed against humanitarian aid.”
Mitigation for American Taxpayers
Through the statement, the U.S has stated that since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has received substantial support from the United States.
The Bureau of African Affairs revealed that American taxpayers have provided over $9.5 billion (Ksh1.23 trillion) in foreign assistance.
In comparison, the transitional government has earned an estimated $25 billion (Ksh3.23 trillion) in oil revenue during the same period.
Despite these resources, the U.S noted that South Sudan has repeatedly failed to address basic public needs, including healthcare, education, and food security.
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The U.S further urged South Sudan’s leaders to redirect public revenue toward essential services rather than obstructing humanitarian work.
“The transitional government should start being a partner to those trying to help its people rather than obstructing their work. The South Sudanese people should see public revenue used appropriately, including for payment of public sector salaries, funding of health and education services, and support for people in need.”
In addition, the United States reminded South Sudan of the history of their partnership, noting that it began many years before the nation gained independence.
Stern Warning
The Bureau of African Affairs warned South Sudan that although the U.S values its history with South Sudan, the Trump administration has vowed not to leave the transitional government’s abuses unanswered.
They warned that doing so would further escalate the crisis in South Sudan, which goes against U.S humanitarian laws.
“To do so would create the moral hazard of further encouraging the transitional government to persist in the approach that has exponentially worsened South Sudanese humanitarian need.’
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The department stated that President Trump has vowed a tougher stance against South Sudan and all nations that are oppressing its citizens, as well as those that are misusing U.S aid.
“President Trump has said that the United States will not be taken advantage of. For far too long, the transitional government has done so, exploiting our taxpayer dollars, taking advantage of the United States, other donors, and its own people. This behavior must stop immediately.”
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