CRN News Desk| The United States government has announced new visa restrictions targeting members of South Sudan’s Transitional Government, accusing them of undermining peace efforts, fueling corruption, and contributing to the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a statement released by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Washington said South Sudan’s leaders have for years delayed the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed during former President Donald Trump’s first administration.
The U.S. government warned that continued failure to fully implement the peace agreement has pushed the country closer to a return to full-scale conflict.
According to the statement, several investigative bodies have documented widespread corruption involving senior officials and entities accused of siphoning money from South Sudan’s treasury and misusing foreign aid intended to support citizens.
The statement also accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), under the control of President Salva Kiir, of carrying out military operations in northern Jonglei State that reportedly displaced more than 300,000 people and increased the risk of famine in parts of the country.
The United States further cited credible reports of human rights abuses and ethnically motivated killings targeting members of the Nuer community.
As a result, Secretary Rubio announced that the U.S. is acting under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose visa restrictions on individuals within the transitional government accused of obstructing the peace process, violating ceasefire arrangements, and engaging in corruption linked to the ongoing conflict.
“The United States will continue to stand with the South Sudanese people, who want to live in peace and dignity,” the statement said.
Washington also pledged to continue using diplomatic and legal measures to promote accountability for government officials, SSPDF commanders, and other individuals accused of stealing public resources and threatening peace and stability in South Sudan.
The latest measures come amid growing international concern over delays in implementing the peace agreement and fears that unresolved political and security tensions could destabilize the country ahead of the planned 2026 elections.