The United States has accused President Salva Kiir and other South Sudanese leaders of lacking the political will needed to implement the country’s fragile peace agreement, warning that continued inaction is fueling instability and undermining prospects for lasting peace.
The criticism was delivered at the United Nations Security Council on Friday as members voted to renew sanctions on South Sudan for another 12 months, including the arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze measures.
Speaking on behalf of the United States, Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, said Washington was deeply concerned by the lack of progress in implementing key peace benchmarks and by the worsening political and security situation across the country.
While welcoming the renewal of the sanctions regime and the extension of the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts, Locetta said South Sudan’s leaders had failed to demonstrate the commitment necessary to move the peace process forward.
“Let’s be clear. This lack of progress is due to a lack of political will by President Kiir, as well as other South Sudanese leaders,” she told the Security Council.
The remarks represent one of the strongest public criticisms by the United States of South Sudan’s leadership in recent months and come at a time of growing concern over political tensions, insecurity and delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The Security Council’s decision means that restrictions imposed on South Sudan will remain in place until at least next year as the international community continues to monitor developments in the country.
The United States said it supported the renewal of the sanctions regime because of the continuing failure by political leaders to meet agreed benchmarks intended to support peace and stability.
Washington also backed efforts to review those benchmarks to better reflect current realities on the ground and said it looked forward to recommendations from the UN Secretary-General, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Panel of Experts.
Despite that support, the US delegation expressed frustration that little progress had been made toward fulfilling existing commitments.
According to Locetta, the deterioration of the political and security environment has continued even as South Sudan approaches another critical phase in its prolonged transition.
She argued that genuine dialogue among the parties to the peace agreement cannot take place under the current circumstances.
“South Sudan’s leaders must return to direct dialogue to de-escalate the current violence,” Locetta said.
She also questioned claims that meaningful political engagement was taking place while one of the signatories to the peace agreement remained under house arrest and facing trial.
“It is farcical to suggest that such dialogue is occurring when one of the signatories to the 2018 peace agreement is under house arrest and on trial,” she added.
Although she did not mention names during the statement, the remarks appeared to refer to the ongoing political tensions involving senior opposition figures that have raised concerns among international observers and peace partners.
The United States warned that the Security Council could not ignore actions that obstruct the peace process or threaten transitional arrangements established under the peace agreement.
Locetta urged South Sudan’s transitional government to take immediate steps to restore confidence and reduce tensions across the country.
Among the measures she highlighted were the declaration of a nationwide ceasefire, the release of detainees, rejection of political violence, and improved management of public resources.
“We therefore urge the transitional government to deliver all steps necessary to restore peace, including declaring a national ceasefire; releasing detainees; renouncing the use of violence for political purposes; and starting to use public revenue appropriately to support the citizens of South Sudan.”
The US representative also delivered a broader criticism of governance in South Sudan, arguing that many of the grievances that fueled the country’s struggle for self-determination remain unresolved years after independence.
She said leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement had long campaigned against the marginalization of southern Sudanese under successive governments in Khartoum but warned that poor governance and misuse of public resources were now perpetuating similar hardships.
“Through bad governance and misuse of revenue, that marginalization continues, imposed by South Sudan’s own leaders,” Locetta said.
The statement is likely to intensify debate over the future of the peace process and the role of international pressure in pushing South Sudan’s leaders toward meaningful reforms.
The government in Juba has repeatedly maintained that it remains committed to implementing the peace agreement and preparing the country for democratic elections. However, critics argue that persistent delays, political disputes and recurring violence have eroded confidence in the transition.
With sanctions now extended for another year, attention is expected to focus on whether South Sudan’s leaders can overcome growing political divisions and demonstrate progress on the reforms demanded by both citizens and the international community.
For now, Washington’s message to the United Nations was clear: without stronger political commitment from the country’s leaders, particularly those at the highest levels of government, prospects for sustainable peace will remain uncertain.
