Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has delivered a sharply worded warning to South Sudan’s transitional government, accusing it of exploiting international donors, obstructing humanitarian operations, and failing to use national revenue to support its own citizens.
In a statement released under the African Affairs Bureau, the U.S. condemned what it described as illicit costs imposed on humanitarian shipments and interference with UN peacekeeping operations. These actions, the circular says, represent serious violations of South Sudan’s international obligations.
The U.S. has demanded that the transitional government immediately halt these practices, warning that failure to comply will trigger a comprehensive review of U.S. foreign assistance to South Sudan, with “significant reductions” likely.
The circular pushes back against claims by South Sudanese leaders that the country’s escalating humanitarian crisis is the fault of inadequate international support. Instead, the U.S. attributes the crisis to “poor governance, misuse of public revenue, insecurity fueled by political leaders, and predatory rent-seeking behaviors that directly target humanitarian aid.”
The statement stresses that donor fatigue is increasing, especially as the government calls for more funding while avoiding responsibility for its own role in the crisis.
The United States notes that it has already provided $9.5 billion in assistance to South Sudan since the country gained independence in 2011. During that same period, the transitional government collected an estimated $25 billion in oil revenue, but repeatedly failed to use it to improve public services or address the deepening crisis.
The State Department argues that this pattern demonstrates that South Sudanese leaders are obstructing aid rather than helping their own people.
“The South Sudanese people should see public revenue used appropriately, including salaries for public servants, health services, education, and support for people in need,” the statement said.
Although the U.S. emphasized its longstanding support for South Sudan — dating back long before the nation’s independence — it warned that the government’s continued abuses cannot be tolerated.
Allowing the transitional government to persist in harmful practices, the circular argues, creates a “moral hazard” that encourages further exploitation of humanitarian donors.
President Donald Trump, the statement notes, has insisted that the United States “will not be taken advantage of,” and the State Department emphasized that the time has come to stop South Sudan’s leaders from exploiting donor generosity and American taxpayers.
It said South Sudan must immediately end practices that obstruct humanitarian aid, misuse public funds, and endanger its citizens — or face consequences.