US imposing visa restrictions on individuals over South Sudan conflict

December 19, 2024 (JUBA) – The United States Department of State announced on Friday that it is imposing visa restrictions on individuals responsible for the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

“We note the continued failure of South Sudanese leaders to fulfil their responsibilities to use the country’s resources for the benefit of the people, their failure to root out public corruption and elite capture of resources, their failure to protect the people of South Sudan from human rights violations, including civil and political rights, and their failure to maintain peace,” partly reads a statement.

The US also expressed disappointment that the transitional government has again postponed the country’s first elections, initially scheduled for December 2024. It was postponed until 2026.

The State Department further said the new visa restrictions, part of a policy announced in 2019 on individuals responsible for undermining and obstructing sustainable peace in South Sudan, will be the third phase of actions taken under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

South Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s direst humanitarian crises. Persistent conflict, natural disasters, and widespread poverty have left millions in urgent need of assistance.

The US has expressed strong concerns about the South Sudan transitional government’s lack of progress in meeting its commitments under a 2018 peace agreement. The agreement requires creating conditions that support effective humanitarian aid and protect those in need.

Despite assurances, government has not effectively lived up to its expectations, raising doubts about its commitment and ability to meet its 2018 peace agreement obligations.

In August this year, the US State Department said it was imposing visa restrictions on South Sudanese officials and others obstructing humanitarian aid by taxing shipments.

(ST)