U.S. slams South Sudan over ‘broken promises,’ warns of consequences

JUBA – The United States has delivered one of its sharpest rebukes yet to South Sudan’s transitional government, accusing it of betraying its own citizens, undermining the 2018 peace agreement, and abusing American support.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Juba, Washington signalled that its patience is wearing thin.

“President Trump has made clear that the United States will not be taken advantage of,” the Embassy said, framing the message as part of broader U.S. priorities toward South Sudan.

At the heart of the criticism is the stalled implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which ended years of civil war.

The Embassy dismissed claims that meaningful political dialogue is ongoing, pointing to the arrest and trial of First Vice President Riek Machar — leader of the second-largest party to the agreement — as evidence that the peace process is faltering.

“It is farcical to say that such dialogue is taking place while the head of the second largest party to the agreement, First Vice President Machar, is under arrest and on trial,” the statement said.

The blunt language underscores growing international concern that South Sudan risks sliding back into instability if political tensions are not urgently addressed. Washington called for “genuine talks” among signatories to the peace deal, warning that the current trajectory threatens hard-won but fragile gains.

Beyond politics, the United States took aim at governance failures and financial mismanagement. The Embassy accused officials of misusing public revenue and failing to prioritise essential services.

“The South Sudanese transitional government must address the misuse of its public revenue, ensuring it is allocated for appropriate public purposes, including public sector salaries, health and education services, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure,” it said.

In an unusually direct warning, the U.S. stressed that American assistance cannot replace responsible leadership.

“U.S. aid is not a substitute for good governance and transparent public financial management,” the statement noted, adding that abuse and exploitation of U.S. foreign assistance by officials at national, state, and county levels must end.

The Embassy further suggested that improved transparency and accountability could unlock broader economic opportunities, positioning South Sudan as “a capable and reliable state for U.S. trade and investment.”

Immigration compliance also featured prominently in the warning. Washington demanded full cooperation with U.S. immigration laws and border security priorities, saying alleged exploitation of the U.S. immigration system by South Sudanese nationals must cease.

Taken together, the message marks a clear escalation in tone. Washington is signalling that continued political repression, financial mismanagement, and non-compliance with international commitments will carry consequences.

For South Sudan’s leaders, the warning leaves little room for ambiguity: restore credible dialogue, safeguard public funds, respect international obligations — or risk further isolation from one of the country’s most influential partners.