Watchdog welcomes latest U.S. Sanctions, urges respect for human rights

JUBA – South Sudan’s civil society watchdog Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has welcomed the latest U.S. decision to impose visa restrictions on government officials obstructing humanitarian aid delivery.

The U.S. Department of State announced visa restrictions on Friday against South Sudanese officials accused of impeding the delivery of humanitarian assistance and engaging in corruption and human rights abuses.

The decision comes amid growing international concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country and the government’s increasing pressure on humanitarian organizations, including taxation and unlawful arrests.

In a press statement extended to Sudans Post yesterday, CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani expressed strong support for the U.S. action, which he said targets individuals responsible for human rights violations and the obstruction of humanitarian aid.

“The U.S. act on visa restrictions is right and welcomed since it targets the actions of government officials that violate human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said, emphasizing the need for the government to take these measures seriously and make a concerted effort to uphold human rights standards.

Yakani highlighted the importance of these sanctions as a tool to pressure the government into respecting human rights and international humanitarian law.

“These visa restrictions are practical options for creating pressure for the respect of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the growth of democracy,” he said.

He further called on the South Sudan government to take immediate steps to facilitate a genuine political transition that enhances respect for democratic governance, transparency, and accountability.

“The opportunity of delivering genuine political transitional processes is eminent and easy if the political commitment is demonstrated,” Yakani stressed.

CEPO also urged the government to engage in actions that would lead to the lifting of the U.S. visa restrictions. The organization sees this as a crucial moment for South Sudan to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and democratic principles.