The United States Department of State, through its Bureau of African Affairs, has issued a sharply worded statement warning that continued U.S. support for South Sudan hinges on immediate and credible action by the transitional government.
The statement accuses authorities in Juba of repeatedly failing to meet commitments to both international partners and their own citizens, stressing that Washington will not be “taken advantage of” and that consequences will follow if reforms are delayed.
At the heart of the warning is the stalled implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
The Bureau called for an urgent return to genuine dialogue to avert the risk of renewed civil war, dismissing claims of ongoing talks while the leader of the second-largest signatory party, First Vice President Riek Machar, remains under arrest and on trial.
The statement also demanded an end to the misuse of public revenue, urging the government to prioritize salaries, health and education services, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure, while making clear that U.S. taxpayer-funded emergency aid cannot substitute for transparent governance and sound public financial management.
Washington further condemned what it described as the abuse, exploitation, and theft of U.S. foreign assistance by officials at national, state, and county levels, warning that such practices undermine prospects for trade, investment, and state capacity.
In addition, the statement called on South Sudan to halt exploitation of the U.S. immigration system and to fully cooperate with American immigration law and border security priorities.
Together, the measures signal a tougher U.S. posture one that ties future engagement to peace, accountability, and measurable reforms.
