U.S. accuses South Sudan of exploiting donors, threatens major aid cuts

JUBA – The United States has accused South Sudan’s transitional government of exploiting international donors and obstructing humanitarian operations, warning that Washington may impose major cuts to its long-standing foreign assistance unless the government immediately changes course.

In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs said Juba has continued to levy “illicit costs” on humanitarian agencies — including new “exorbitant fees” on relief shipments — while also obstructing UN peacekeeping operations. Washington described these actions as “egregious violations” of South Sudan’s international obligations.

“If the transitional government does not halt these actions immediately, the United States will initiate a comprehensive review of our foreign assistance in South Sudan with the likelihood of making significant reductions,” the statement warned.

The U.S. accused South Sudan’s leaders of pushing a misleading narrative that absolves them of responsibility for the worsening humanitarian crisis, despite years of mismanagement, insecurity, and failure to invest in public services.

The crisis, Washington said, is “driven by poor governance, a failure to spend public revenue for the benefit of the people, the insecurity created by South Sudanese leaders, and predatory rent-seeking directed against humanitarian aid.”

Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, the U.S. has provided more than $9.5 billion in assistance. Yet, over the same period, the transitional government has earned an estimated $25 billion in oil revenue — money Washington says has not been used to pay salaries, strengthen health and education systems, or support vulnerable communities.

“The transitional government should start being a partner to those trying to help its people rather than obstructing their work,” the statement added, urging South Sudan to ensure public revenue is used transparently and responsibly.

The U.S. also cautioned that ignoring the government’s behaviour would create a “moral hazard,” potentially emboldening leaders in Juba to continue practices that have “exponentially worsened” humanitarian conditions across the country.

While reaffirming its decades-long partnership with the South Sudanese people, Washington said it will not allow the government to continue taking advantage of donors, including American taxpayers. “This behaviour must stop immediately,” the statement concluded.