Makuei threatens to dump America for ‘friendly countries’ over suspension of funds for peace monitors

JUBA – South Sudan’s information minister Michael Makuei Lueth has threatened that his country may consider turning to those he identified as ‘friendly countries’ if the powerful South Sudan friend do not reconsider its suspension of funding for peace monitoring mechanisms.

The United States earlier this month announced that it is suspending funding to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC).

The world power cited the persistent lack of will from the parties to the revitalized peace agreement to implement the 2018 peace deal as several provisions of the agreement including the security arrangements provided for in chapter two have remained unimplemented.

In reaction, Makuei said the government is not happy over the United States decision and asked the Biden Administration to reconsider its decision and return support to the peace monitoring mechanisms and claimed that it was discriminatory.

“It is unfortunate and we are not happy with the decision of the Americans.  It is unfortunate because we are approaching the end of the transitional period and the last part of implementing the agreement and it is unfortunate for them to withdraw,” Makuei said during an interview with Radio Tamazuj.

“Their support for the RJMEC and the other mechanisms was not complete. It was discriminatory because they were only supporting internationals, excluding the nationals. We are asking America to review its decision because it is not correct and is a setback,” he added.

The senior government official described the suspension as a setback and threatened that his country may turn to friendly countries for help if US do not reconsider its decision.

“They want to return us to zero. We appeal to America to continue funding the mechanisms but if they do not want, we will ask other friendly countries to come and fill the void left by America,” he said.

“Also, it is important to qualify that the Americans did not say they are stopping but they said they are suspending funding and we are requesting them to reconsider.”

The United States has spent billions of dollars in support for South Sudan since independence and has also remained the largest funding source for South Sudan’s effort to achieve permanent peace.

Citizens have also lauded the US decision because “it will help pressure our leaders who are always hesitant in bringing peace to their people.”