(WASHINGTON DC) – The United States has warned that it may reduce its support to South Sudan unless the transitional government removes new fees placed on humanitarian relief and stops blocking the work of United Nations peacekeepers and aid agencies. Washington described these actions as clear violations of the country’s international responsibilities and said it expects immediate change.
The US Department of State said organisations working to assist millions of vulnerable people in South Sudan continue to face rising costs and delays linked to government decisions.
According to Washington, these steps have made it harder for aid to reach communities facing hunger, displacement, and the impact of ongoing insecurity.
A statement shared by the American embassy in Juba said it is misleading for South Sudanese leaders to deny responsibility for the worsening humanitarian situation while repeatedly calling for greater donor funding.
The United States stated that the crisis stems from weak governance, limited investment in public services, persistent insecurity caused by political actors, and what it described as predatory practices targeting humanitarian operations.
Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, the United States has provided more than 9.5 billion US dollars in assistance to support emergency relief, development, and peacekeeping efforts.
During the same period, the transitional government is estimated to have received about 25 billion US dollars in oil revenue, which Washington says has not been used effectively to support salaries, health services, education, or social welfare.
| Revenue/Support Source | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| US assistance since 2011 | 9.5 billion |
| South Sudan oil revenue since 2011 | 25 billion |
The US statement urged the government in Juba to work with, rather than against, partners seeking to support the South Sudanese people. It added that citizens deserve to see national revenue spent on essential services instead of activities that restrict aid or limit peacekeeping efforts.
Washington noted that its partnership with the people of South Sudan extends back many decades, long before independence. However, it said this history cannot prevent action in response to what it sees as misuse of donor goodwill.
Allowing the current situation to continue, the US said, would only encourage further behaviour that increases humanitarian need across the country.
The statement also recalled past remarks by the US administration that the United States will not allow its support to be taken for granted. It said the transitional government has for too long placed burdens on donors, including the United States, while failing to address its own responsibilities toward the South Sudanese population.
Washington concluded that this conduct must stop immediately or South Sudan risks significant reductions in foreign assistance.
Washington Says South Sudan Taking Advantage of Donors
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| US Concern | Washington says South Sudan is placing new fees on aid and blocking UN operations. |
| Main Warning | The US may cut or reduce its financial assistance to South Sudan. |
| Reason for Warning | Humanitarian obstruction, poor governance, and failure to use national revenue for public services. |
| US Support Since 2011 | 9.5 billion US dollars provided to South Sudan. |
| South Sudan Oil Revenue | Estimated 25 billion US dollars received by the transitional government since 2011. |
| Expected Action | Remove barriers to humanitarian work and use public funds for salaries, health, education, and social needs. |
| US View of Crisis | Crisis is caused by insecurity, weak governance, and practices against humanitarian efforts. |
| Possible Consequence | A full review of US aid and likely reductions if behaviour continues. |
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