February 27th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – A Senior United States diplomat said it was too early for Washington to lift sanctions imposed on South Sudan.
This comes after the Trump Administration in Washington DC lifted sanctions on former Israeli general accused of arms deals with South Sudan were lifted.
Several senior South Sudan ministers including defense and cabinet affairs as well as former first vice president (now vice-president) Taban Deng Gai. Regional leaders and President Salva Kiir called for lifting of sanctions against individuals.
The United States accused the government officials of “obstruction of reconciliation efforts in South Sudan”.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia today, an unidentified US State Department official said it was too early for Washington to lift the sanctions.
“The other big area of sanctions are the UN sanctions, including the arms embargo, and I think it’s way too early to consider lifting the arms embargo,” said the senior official at the State Department.
The official call for the establishment of a hybrid court and the Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Commission.
“Well, I’ve told everybody we reserve the right to use all our diplomatic tools, including more sanctions, if necessary,” the diplomat continued. “We have the same authorities in place, and I’ve made sure that’s clear.”