United States Increases Pressure on South Sudan Over Peace Delays

(Illustration: Dreamstime / File)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

The United States has accused South Sudan’s transitional government of obstructing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, warning that the country risks sliding back into full-scale conflict.

Washington says the peace deal signed during President Donald Trump’s first term remains largely unimplemented, amid growing insecurity, political tensions, and humanitarian concerns across the country.

In a strong statement, the U.S. government alleged that corrupt officials and entities, including Crawford Capital, Ltd., siphoned funds from South Sudan’s treasury and diverted international assistance intended for citizens.

The United States also accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, under the leadership of Salva Kiir Mayardit, of carrying out a military offensive in northern Jonglei State that displaced an estimated 300,000 people and increased the risk of famine in several areas. U.S. officials further cited credible reports of human rights abuses and ethnically motivated killings targeting the Nuer community.

As part of its response, Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions against members of South Sudan’s transitional government accused of undermining peace efforts.

The administration of Donald Trump also pledged to push for stronger international engagement through the United Nations.

Speaking before the Security Council, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said Washington wants the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to refocus on its core mandate of protecting civilians, maintaining peace, supporting humanitarian access, and providing accurate reporting to the council.

The United States expressed concern that President Kiir’s actions are undermining peace efforts while international partners continue to provide support to the country.

According to UNMISS records, between October 2025 and March 2026 peacekeepers and humanitarian agencies faced repeated obstruction in South Sudan. The mission reported more than 480 incidents involving blocked movements, denied humanitarian access, disrupted repatriation flights, forced base closures, and financial losses amounting to millions of dollars.

Ambassador Waltz said the Security Council is now taking serious measures to streamline UNMISS operations so the mission can focus on peace and security priorities.

Citing a report by the UN Secretary-General, Waltz added that preparations for elections in South Sudan remain “minimal to non-existent,” arguing that credible elections cannot take place before key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement are implemented.

He further stressed that meaningful dialogue among the parties cannot occur while senior political leaders remain imprisoned, including the head of the second-largest party to the peace agreement, who is currently under arrest and facing trial.

Waltz warned that future U.S. support for elections — including assistance delivered through the United Nations — will depend on whether South Sudan’s leaders commit public resources toward elections, government salaries, and public services.

“The United States will continue to stand with the South Sudanese people, who want to live in peace and dignity,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

He added that Washington would continue using “all tools available” to promote accountability against officials and individuals accused of stealing public resources and threatening peace in South Sudan.