The United States has threatened to impose sanctions on South Sudan over alleged obstruction of humanitarian assistance, accusing officials at national, state and local levels of treating aid as a source of revenue.
JUBA SEPTEMBER 22: The United States has warned South Sudan’s transitional government that it could impose sanctions and visa restrictions on those obstructing humanitarian assistance, accusing officials at national, state and local levels of treating aid as a source of revenue.
The United States said that it will use “all the tools available,” including sanctions and visa restrictions, to address what it describes as the obstruction of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan.
The U.S. government also urged South Sudan’s transitional authorities to address what it described as the man-made drivers of the country’s humanitarian crisis, including political violence and the failure to use public revenue appropriately to provide basic services, respond to humanitarian needs and pay public-sector salaries.
In a statement on Sunday, the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs said the government has failed to reduce the costs and risks faced by aid groups helping people in need. It said South Sudan has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian workers.
Millions of South Sudanese rely on humanitarian assistance amid conflict, displacement, food insecurity and limited access to basic services.
Featured Image: Werner Anderson
