The United States government has called its ambassador to South Sudan back to Washington for consultations as it has decided to reevaluate its relationship with the African country after a delay in implementing a fragile peace deal, reported VOA News.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the announcement on Twitter as Washington signals its disappointment with the failure of South Sudan’s rivals to form a coalition government by the previously set November deadline.
“Called back our Ambassador to South Sudan for consultations as we re-evaluate our relationship with the government of South Sudan. We will work with the region to support efforts to achieve peace and a successful political transition in South Sudan,” Mr. Pompeo wrote on Twitter.
State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said the US ambassador in Juba, Thomas Hushek, will hold talks in Washington on the re-evaluation of the relationship.
The US government contributes about $1 billion a year in mostly humanitarian aid for South Sudan. It has been especially vocal in its exasperation over the lack of progress in the young country.
Back in April, the US State Department had issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for the Republic of South Sudan due to tension and violent clashes in the country.
Notably, President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar had a November 12 deadline to form a unity government. But, earlier this month, the two leaders agreed to postpone the formation of the government for 100 days as they wanted more time to solve the security and governance issues.
It is believed that a unity government is the only way to get South Sudan out of a five-year civil war that killed tens of thousands and at its height displaced more than 4 million people. The civil war erupted in late 2013, when supporters of Kiir and Machar, clashed.
