The United States threatened to slash aid to South Sudan Wednesday, accusing its government of imposing “illicit costs” on humanitarian operations.
The State Department said these actions violate South Sudan’s international obligations and urged the transitional government to halt interference immediately.
Washington warned that continued obstruction could prompt a comprehensive review of assistance, potentially resulting in “significant” reductions in aid to Juba.
Since independence in 2011, the US has provided over $9.5 billion to South Sudan, while the government has earned roughly $25 billion in oil revenue.
The US criticised South Sudanese leaders for denying responsibility for the humanitarian crisis while demanding more donor funding, calling this narrative “false.”
Cited drivers of the crisis include poor governance, mismanagement of public revenue, insecurity created by leaders, and predatory practices targeting humanitarian aid.
The statement urged the government to cooperate with aid providers, ensuring resources support salaries, health, education, and vulnerable populations rather than obstructing relief efforts.
“US partnership with South Sudanese people predates the country’s independence by decades, but government abuses cannot go unanswered,” the statement added.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but has been mired in conflict since 2013 after a political fallout between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar.
Peace deals signed in 2018 and 2022 failed to end instability, with February seeing the White Army militia seize a town in Upper Nile State.
Several opposition figures, including Machar, now face charges including murder, treason, crimes against humanity, conspiracy, terrorism financing, and incitement of violence.
