In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Agnes Adlino Orifa Oswaha expressed deep concern over the remarks made by the U.S.
Ambassador Michael Waltz, during a UN Security Council session on April 30, 2026, insisted that SSPDF personnel share the same water sources with civilians and have no basis for carrying out such actions.
“The allegation made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Turk, and echoed by the US Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Michael Waltz, in the Security Council on 30th April 2026, that the SSPDF intentionally contaminated or poisoned community water sources is unfounded. In fact, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces share and drink from the same water sources as civilians. There is no reason for such an allegation because there is no evidence,” she said.
She added that the Government of the Republic of South Sudan has noted with great concern the remarks delivered on 30th April 2026 by the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Michael Waltz, during the United Nations deliberations on the extension of the United Nations Mission mandate in South Sudan.
“The Republic of South Sudan holds the highest regard for its historic relations and partnership with the United States of America, a nation that stood firm alongside the people of South Sudan in their long and painful struggle for independence.”
She stated that this relationship was forged through decades of solidarity and shared values.
“The Government remains committed to working closely and constructively with the US Government and stands ready to jointly verify such horrific allegations with the US Embassy in Juba.”
