President Salva Kiir Mayardit (Courtesy)
New York, February 11, 2026
Savanna Radio New
The government of the United States has sharply criticized the Government of South Sudan for allegedly undermining the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and fueling renewed conflict in the country. In a strongly worded statement, Washington accused Juba of obstructing peace mechanisms, restricting the work of the UN peacekeeping mission, and tolerating or engaging in actions that threaten to return the country to full-scale war.
U.S. officials warned that continued non-cooperation with international efforts, including repeated violations of the ceasefire, restrictions on UNMISS movements, and interference with humanitarian operations, could force Washington to reconsider the “scope and level” of its diplomatic engagement with South Sudan. Some U.S. diplomats have hinted that if the trend continues, measures on the table could include scaling down or freezing certain diplomatic activities, revisiting security and development assistance, and coordinating tougher multilateral pressure through the UN and regional bodies.
The warning comes as the UN and other international actors report a deteriorating political and security situation, with aerial bombardments, clashes between government forces and opposition groups, and growing humanitarian constraints across several regions of South Sudan. Rights groups and civil society actors have repeatedly urged the international community to increase pressure on all parties to fully implement the peace agreement, protect civilians, and allow unfettered humanitarian access.
South Sudan’s government has rejected the U.S. accusations and struck a defensive, conciliatory tone in public. In an earlier dispute over U.S. allegations of obstructing humanitarian access, the Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Thomas Kenneth dismissed the claims as “unsubstantiated and therefore unfounded,” saying Juba had not received formal diplomatic communication and insisting that the government has been providing unhindered humanitarian access.
At the UN Security Council, South Sudan’s representative acknowledged the seriousness of international concerns but reiterated that the government “remains firmly committed” to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, praised UNMISS, and said Juba respects the status-of-forces agreement, while warning against “narratives” that she argued could unhelpfully shape perceptions. Officials have also emphasized that negotiations with Washington are “ongoing” and framed relations with the U.S. as guided by reciprocity and sovereign interests, particularly around sanctions and economic engagement.
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