In a statement issued by U.S. State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott, Washington said the measures target individuals and entities accused of undermining the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The statement described South Sudan as being “on the brink of a return to all-out war,” blaming repeated delays and obstruction by the transitional government for the deteriorating security and political situation.
The U.S. specifically named Crawford Capital Ltd. among entities accused of siphoning public funds and diverting foreign assistance meant for the South Sudanese population. The company has previously been linked in investigative reports to Adut Salva Kiir, the daughter of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
According to the statement, “well-respected investigative bodies” documented how corrupt officials and associated entities allegedly looted state resources while the country continued to face humanitarian and economic crises.
The State Department also accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), which it said is controlled by President Kiir, of carrying out military operations in northern Jonglei State that displaced an estimated 300,000 people and worsened the risk of famine in several parts of the country.
Washington further cited reports of human rights violations, abuses, and ethnically motivated killings targeting members of the Nuer community.
“Today, pursuant to authority under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Secretary Rubio is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on members of South Sudan’s transitional government,” the statement said.
It added that the targeted individuals had undermined peace efforts by impeding the ceasefire agreement and engaging in corruption that fueled the conflict.
The U.S. did not immediately release the names of the officials affected by the visa restrictions, but the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Michael Makuei Lueth and Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro have been on the spotlight, especially after the move to amend the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
The latest measures also come amid growing international concern over escalating tensions within South Sudan’s unity government and delays in implementing key provisions of the peace agreement and release of political detainees, including First Vice President Riek Machar.
It’s just imposed the sanction but not to impplement, American government you are not serious released the statements and make the follow upp without the action nothings will be done in South Sudan.