US Warns Against Abuse of Donor Goodwill in South Sudan

(WASHINGTON) – The United States has warned that it may reduce its financial assistance to South Sudan if the transitional government continues to place heavy fees on humanitarian cargo and restrict the operations of United Nations peacekeepers and aid agencies. Washington said these practices go against South Sudan’s international commitments and should be stopped without delay.

According to the US State Department, relief agencies working across South Sudan are facing new financial and administrative pressures that slow the delivery of life saving supplies. These issues have affected food stocks, medical supplies, and other basic items that communities depend on in a country where many families struggle with food shortages and economic hardship.

The United States said it is misleading for South Sudanese officials to deny any role in the current humanitarian situation while requesting more money from donors. Washington stated that the crisis is mostly driven by weak governance, insecurity linked to political leaders, and what it described as rent seeking behaviour that places extra costs on aid operations.

US financial support to South Sudan since independence stands at more than 9.5 billion US dollars. Over the same period, the transitional government is estimated to have received about 25 billion US dollars from oil exports. Washington says this revenue has not been used effectively to improve public services, including health, education, salaries, and direct support for vulnerable households.

A simple comparison of the figures is shown below:

The United States said the government in Juba should work more closely with humanitarian partners rather than creating more barriers for those offering support. It stressed that South Sudanese people should be able to see national revenue used for essential public services that can stabilise communities and build confidence in state institutions.

Washington also noted that its relationship with South Sudan goes back many years, with American support predating independence. However, it said that the repeated challenges placed on aid agencies cannot continue. Leaving such actions unaddressed, the United States argued, would only strengthen behaviour that increases humanitarian need and does not help the country’s long term stability.

President Donald Trump has previously said that the United States will not allow its support to be misused. The State Department said the transitional government has placed donors in a difficult position for too long, and that the current situation must end immediately to avoid a review that could lead to major cuts in assistance.

The United States concluded that South Sudan still has the chance to reset its approach but warned that future support will depend on practical steps taken to remove obstacles to aid, improve financial management, and ensure national revenues are spent in ways that benefit the population.