(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has dismissed as unfounded allegations that it is obstructing U.S. foreign assistance in Ayod County of Jonglei State and in Western Bahr el-Ghazal. The claims were made following a U.S. announcement on 8 January 2026 that aid to Ayod County had been suspended and a review of assistance to Western Bahr el-Ghazal had been launched.
Ambassador Thomas Kenneth Elisapana, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told journalists during a monthly media briefing on 8 February 2026 that the government has not received any official communication from the United States regarding the suspension. He said the information circulating on social media is unverified.
“Our preliminary position is this: the claim about senior government officials being involved in obstructing humanitarian activities is unsubstantiated and therefore unfounded,” Kenneth said.
The U.S. Embassy in Juba cited incidents of interference and exploitation by local officials as the reason for the suspension. Among the cases mentioned was the detention of an aid worker in Ayod County on 2 January after refusing to surrender assets from a U.S. assistance partner. In Western Bahr el-Ghazal, pharmaceutical supplies from U.S. aid partners were reportedly blocked since November, according to the embassy.
Ambassador Kenneth stated that the South Sudanese government has continued to provide access to humanitarian activities through relevant authorities. He emphasised that as a sovereign nation, South Sudan respects the decisions of foreign governments but also maintains its own policies and procedures.
“The government facilitates humanitarian access and ensures operations are supported through the proper channels,” he said.
Kenneth added that issues related to unpaid salary arrears for diplomats remain under the Ministry of Finance. He also informed journalists that details of an upcoming African Union delegation visit to Juba would be shared once confirmed. On questions about the Tripartite Agreement involving Sudanese parties, he referred reporters to official updates on the ministry’s Facebook page.
The suspension of U.S. aid could have significant implications for humanitarian operations and local service delivery, particularly in remote counties where aid plays a critical role in healthcare, food security, and community development.
Overview of U.S. Aid Actions in South Sudan
| Area | U.S. Action | Reason Cited | Government Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayod County, Jonglei | Aid suspended | Alleged obstruction by officials | Claims unfounded, no official notice received |
| Western Bahr el-Ghazal | Aid under review | Blocked medical supplies | Government states access facilitated, claims unverified |
The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that it continues to support humanitarian access and encourages dialogue with international partners to ensure aid reaches those in need.
