The United States has warned South Sudan’s transitional government that it could face sanctions and visa restrictions over what Washington says are continued obstacles to humanitarian assistance in the country.
In a statement issued on September 20, the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs accused officials at national, state and local levels of obstructing humanitarian operations and treating aid as a source of revenue.
“For far too long, South Sudan’s transitional government has ignored its responsibility to reduce the costs and risks faced by those seeking to help South Sudanese people in need,” the statement said.
The US said the alleged restrictions were contributing to the difficulties faced by humanitarian organisations working in a country where millions of people rely on assistance.
The statement described the United States as the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to South Sudan and said the government had taken advantage of the generosity of US taxpayers.
Washington also called on South Sudan’s leaders to address what it described as the “man-made main drivers” of the humanitarian crisis, including political violence and what it said was a failure to use public revenue appropriately to provide basic services, meet humanitarian needs and pay public-sector salaries.
The US warning comes as South Sudan continues to face a severe humanitarian situation, with conflict, displacement and food insecurity putting pressure on humanitarian operations.
Washington said South Sudan’s handling of humanitarian organisations would influence future US decisions on where to direct foreign assistance.
“South Sudan’s transitional government’s unwillingness to act like a partner to those trying to help their people will continue to factor heavily into the United States’ decision making about where to devote valuable foreign assistance resources around the world,” the statement said.
The US then issued its strongest warning, saying it would consider punitive measures if the situation did not change.
“We will use all the tools available to us, including sanctions and visa restrictions, to end the impunity that has contributed to making South Sudan one of the most dangerous places in the world to deliver humanitarian assistance,” it said.
The South Sudanese government has rejected broad characterisations of its conduct contained in the US statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said concerns involving aid access, administrative requirements, security or individual officials should be addressed through appropriate channels and based on specific facts.
The latest warning adds to longstanding tensions between Washington and Juba over the operating environment for humanitarian organisations.
The US has previously imposed visa restrictions on individuals it accused of obstructing humanitarian assistance, including through the taxation of aid shipments.
The United States remains a major humanitarian donor to South Sudan, providing assistance including food, nutrition, healthcare, clean water, sanitation and protection services to vulnerable communities.
The latest statement does not specify which individuals could face sanctions or visa restrictions, nor does it announce new sanctions.
Instead, Washington has signalled that the measures remain available if South Sudanese authorities do not address the concerns raised by the US government.
