The United States government has suspended all U.S. foreign assistance in Ayod County, Jonglei State, citing persistent interference, abuse, and exploitation of humanitarian aid by South Sudanese officials at multiple levels of government.
The decision, announced on January 8, follows repeated warnings from Washington over illicit practices that undermine life-saving assistance intended for vulnerable South Sudanese communities.
U.S. officials said the suspension reflects a firm response to actions by local authorities who have taken advantage of American support instead of working in partnership to serve the people.
According to the U.S. government, the immediate trigger for the suspension was an incident on January 2 in which the Ayod County Commissioner detained an aid worker after the individual refused an illegal demand to surrender assets belonging to a U.S. foreign assistance partner.
The detention was described as a clear violation of humanitarian principles and an unacceptable attempt to coerce aid agencies.
In a related development, the United States is reviewing its assistance in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State and is considering significant reductions.
Since November, the State Minister of Health in Western Bahr el-Ghazal has reportedly blocked the transfer of pharmaceutical supplies from one U.S.-supported partner to another.
Despite repeated requests from donors and partners, transitional government officials have failed to authorize the release of the medical supplies, further disrupting health services.
U.S. officials emphasized that these actions are consistent with a December 11 statement by the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, which urged South Sudan’s transitional government to immediately stop imposing illicit costs on humanitarian and development partners operating in the country.
Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the United States has provided more than $9.5 billion in foreign assistance, making it the country’s largest bilateral donor.
Washington stressed that this support is meant to save lives and stabilize communities not to be exploited for personal or political gain.
The U.S. government called on the transitional government of national unity to take urgent remedial steps, beginning with holding accountable all officials who have interfered with, diverted, or imposed illegal demands on U.S.-funded assistance.
“The United States has a zero-tolerance policy for the theft and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the statement said, warning that further abuses could lead to additional aid suspensions or reductions elsewhere in the country.
The suspension in Ayod County is expected to increase pressure on South Sudanese authorities to protect humanitarian operations and demonstrate genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of their citizens.
