U.S. Blames South Sudan Leaders for Lack of Peace Progress, Supports Renewal of UN Sanctions

Jennifer Locetta, the U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs (Photo Credit: The American Times)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

June 1, 2026 — The United States has welcomed the United Nations Security Council's decision to renew sanctions on South Sudan for another year, while sharply criticizing the country's leadership for failing to advance the peace process and improve security conditions.

Speaking before the Security Council on Monday, Jennifer Locetta, the U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, said Washington supported the extension of the South Sudan sanctions regime, including the arms embargo, travel ban, asset freeze measures, and the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts.

The United States also welcomed efforts to review the sanctions benchmarks to better reflect current conditions in South Sudan and said it looked forward to recommendations from the UN Secretary-General, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Panel of Experts.

However, Locetta expressed concern over what she described as a lack of progress toward meeting the benchmarks and a worsening political and security situation in the country.

"The lack of progress is due to a lack of political will by President Kiir, as well as other South Sudanese leaders," she told the Council.

The U.S. diplomat called on South Sudan's leaders to return to direct dialogue and take immediate steps to reduce tensions and violence. She questioned claims that meaningful dialogue was taking place while one of the signatories to the 2018 peace agreement remained under house arrest and on trial.

Locetta said the Security Council could not accept actions that obstruct the peace process, threaten transitional arrangements, or undermine South Sudan's political transition.

She urged the transitional government to restore peace by declaring a national ceasefire, releasing detainees, rejecting violence as a political tool, and ensuring public revenues are used to support citizens.

The U.S. representative also criticized governance failures in South Sudan, arguing that many of the grievances that fueled the struggle for independence continue under the country's current leadership.

"For years prior to South Sudan's independence, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement claimed to seek the end of marginalization of the southern Sudanese by leaders in Khartoum," she said. "Through bad governance and misuse of revenue, that marginalization continues, imposed by South Sudan's own leaders."

The Security Council's renewal of sanctions comes amid growing concerns over political tensions, insecurity, and delays in implementing key provisions of South Sudan's peace agreement.