By: Ginaba Lino
The United States has warned South Sudan’s transitional government to take immediate steps to implement the 2018 peace agreement or risk losing American support, according to a statement from the United States Department of State through its Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Juba.
In a statement outlining U.S. priorities on South Sudan, Washington said the transitional government has “repeatedly failed to live up to its commitments to international partners and its responsibilities to support its people.”
The statement added that President Donald Trump has made clear that the United States “will not be taken advantage of,” and that Juba must undertake urgent reforms if it wishes to maintain U.S. backing.
Among the key demands, the U.S. called for immediate action to uphold peace and reduce the risk of renewed civil war through a return to meaningful dialogue among parties to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The statement criticized the current political climate, describing it as “farcical” to claim dialogue is ongoing while First Vice President Riek Machar—leader of the second-largest party to the agreement—is under arrest and on trial.
The U.S. also urged the transitional government to address what it described as the misuse of public revenue. It said government funds should be directed toward public sector salaries, healthcare, education, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure development. The statement stressed that U.S. taxpayer-funded emergency assistance cannot replace good governance and transparent financial management.
In addition, Washington demanded an end to what it termed abuse, exploitation, and theft of U.S. foreign assistance by officials at national, state, and county levels. It said safeguarding American aid would help transform South Sudan into a capable and reliable partner for trade and investment.
The statement further called for an end to what it described as South Sudanese exploitation of the U.S. immigration system and urged full cooperation with U.S. immigration laws and border security priorities.
The warning signals growing frustration from Washington over delays in implementing the 2018 peace deal and ongoing governance challenges in South Sudan.