US to slap fresh sanctions on South Sudan’s oil sector- US official

December 23, 2019 Civil War, Corruption, economy, Newsbeat, South Sudan, USA

Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes(Photo Credit: Senator Jack)

December 23rd, 2019 (SSNN)-In view of the government’s reluctance to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement, a US official said on Sunday that, the United States will impose fresh sanctions on anyone who buys South Sudan crude oil or engages in business with the government of South Sudan and no oil exemptions will be offered to that country whatsoever.

“We will continue to put pressure on South Sudan and as President (Trump) said there will be no waivers of any kind for South Sudan oil,” said the United State’s top official.

Sigal Mandelker, U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, made it clear that the United States government cannot remain silent while the people of South Sudan suffer as a direct result of their leaders’ actions.

“The United States can no longer keep quiet when South Sudanese people’s are suffering in the hands of their leaders who are not willing to change the current setup,” said Sigal.

There’s been diplomatic spat between South Sudan government and the United States over the government’s unwillingness to accelerate the implementation of the peace deal.

Last month, the United States recalled its ambassador to South Sudan, Thomas Hushek, after the R-ARCSS Parties failed to meet a deadline for the formation of a unity government.

Last week, the United States government imposed sanctions on two senior South Sudanese officials, accusing them of instigating conflict in the country.

The US Treasury Department accused the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Elia Lomuro and the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Kuol Manyang Juuk of perpetuating the ongoing conflict by obstructing peace efforts and reconciliation.