The United States government has imposed sanctions on two senior South Sudanese officials over charges of instigating conflict in the country, the U.S. Treasury Department confirmed on Monday. The sanctions have been put to pressurize South Sudanese politicians to form a unity government.
The Treasury said in a statement that it has blacklisted Martin Elia Lomuro, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Kuol Manyang Juuk, the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, for their role in perpetuating the conflict by obstructing the peace process.
Lomuro is accused of recruiting local militants to launch attacks on the opposition forces in South Sudan. Juuk is accused of stirring up violence with rival tribes and arranging militias for the possibility of renewed violence.
“We are designating two cabinet-ranking officials in the South Sudanese government for their role in inhibiting political unification, expanding the conflict, and profiting from South Sudan’s war economy,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich said on Monday.
Muzinich made the announcement at the Partnership to Combat Human Rights Abuse and Corruption meeting. At the meeting, he said NGOs had enough findings that helped support the sanctions.
The latest sanctions follow Washington’s decision to its relationship with the African nation after South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar failed to form a unity government in November.
The two leaders had previously a peace deal in September 2018 to form the government by November 12, under pressure from the United Nations, the US and regional governments. But just days before the deadline, Kiir and Machar agreed to give themselves a 100- day extension to form a unity government and fully implement the peace accord.
Meanwhile, last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened visa restrictions on anyone who tries to derail peace efforts in South Sudan. He also said that Washington could take further action if required.
