The United States has issued a stern warning to South Sudan’s government, indicating potential significant reductions in foreign assistance due to alleged obstruction of humanitarian operations. In an official statement released Thursday by the State Department’s Bureau for African Affairs, American officials accused Juba of imposing prohibitive fees on aid organizations and creating operational barriers that violate international obligations.
Washington revealed it has channeled over $9.5 billion in assistance to South Sudan since the nation gained independence in 2011. This substantial support contrasts sharply with the approximately $25 billion in oil revenues collected by the South Sudanese government, which has reportedly failed to translate into meaningful public service development.
The humanitarian situation remains critical, with United Nations data indicating more than 70% of South Sudan’s 11 million citizens depend on external aid for basic survival needs including food and healthcare. The U.S. statement attributed this crisis directly to systemic governance failures, misappropriation of public funds, security instability fostered by national leadership, and what it termed ‘predatory rent-seeking’ behavior targeting humanitarian resources.
This diplomatic confrontation marks the latest strain in bilateral relations between the two nations. Earlier this year, the U.S. suspended visa issuances to South Sudanese citizens following a deportation-related diplomatic dispute. The South Sudanese government had not issued an immediate response to the latest allegations at the time of reporting.