WASHINGTON–The United States of America has warned South Sudan that continued obstruction of UN peacekeepers, attacks on UN personnel and pursuit of military confrontation could affect Washington’s future decisions on assistance and diplomatic engagement.
US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, delivered the warning during a UN Security Council briefing on South Sudan, accusing the transitional government of deliberately restricting the operations of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
She called on the government to end restrictions on UNMISS, investigate attacks against peacekeepers and return to inclusive political dialogue to prevent a renewed civil war.
“Our position is unequivocal. Stop the continued obstruction of UNMISS. Stop the attacks on peacekeepers. And stop the pursuit of war. These are decisive factors in our future decisions regarding assistance, diplomatic engagement, and this Mission’s future,” Locetta told the Council.
Locetta accused the transitional government of blocking UNMISS patrols, delaying operational approvals and harassing its personnel, saying the restrictions were putting civilians at risk.
“The transitional government also continues to obstruct the very Mission it agreed to host. It blocks UNMISS patrols, stalls approvals, and harasses UN personnel. This is not an administrative problem. It is a deliberate choice by the transitional government. Every delay puts civilians at risk,” she said.
She urged the Security Council to make clear that UNMISS does not require government permission to carry out its mandate and called on Juba to end all restrictions and guarantee the mission unrestricted access to its bases.
“The Security Council must make clear to South Sudan that UNMISS does not need permission to carry out its mandate. The transitional government must end all obstructions and respect UNMISS’s unrestricted use of its bases,” Locetta said.
Her remarks follow an August 24 attack on a UNMISS force-protection convoy in Jonglei State by unidentified gunmen that killed three peacekeepers and injured other UN personnel and police.
The United States condemned the attack and called on the transitional government to investigate and bring those responsible to account.
“Attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. The transitional government must swiftly investigate this attack and hold the perpetrators accountable,” she said.
Locetta also criticised the government for failing to provide an update on accountability over the August abduction of four UN staff and humanitarian personnel who were held for ransom.
She cited an October report by the UN Secretary-General which, she said, indicated that the government has provided no update on efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
“This impunity invites other attacks,” she warned.
Washington has previously restricted assistance to South Sudan over allegations of interference with humanitarian operations.
In January 2026, the United States announced it would suspend foreign assistance in Ayod County, Jonglei State, and review aid to Western Bahr el-Ghazal, citing alleged abuse and obstruction by South Sudanese officials.
The US Embassy also warned of possible reductions in assistance to Western Bahr el-Ghazal, where medical supplies have reportedly been blocked for months.
South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at the time that it had not received formal diplomatic notification of the suspension in Ayod. The ministry also rejected allegations that senior government officials were involved in obstructing humanitarian operations, describing them as unsubstantiated.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has largely depended on international assistance. A July 2026 report by the US Congressional Research Service said American assistance to the country exceeded $700 million annually between 2014 and 2024 before falling to less than $300 million in 2025.
The funding has supported humanitarian operations, healthcare, peacebuilding, independent media and civil society programs. The report also noted that several non-humanitarian programs were cut during the Trump administration’s foreign aid review.
Despite the reductions, Washington has continued providing humanitarian and health assistance. The report said the US provided $100 million in humanitarian assistance during the 2026 financial year through a UN pooled fund and committed another $146 million under a three-year health cooperation agreement aimed at preventing infectious diseases.
It remains unclear whether Locetta’s latest warning will lead to further reductions in US assistance. She did not specify which programs could be affected or announce any new funding cuts.
Locetta warned that South Sudan’s political and military situation was increasing the risk of renewed civil war.
“South Sudan’s leaders must immediately cease hostilities, return to genuine inclusive dialogue, and start using their considerable public revenue to appropriately support their own people,” she said.
The government of South Sudan has not publicly responded to Locetta’s latest remarks at the time of publication.
