The government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has called on the United States government to cease imposing sanctions on South Sudanese companies.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry warned of the consequences of sanctions that could have “far-reaching implications for America’s relations with the continent.”
It said the sanctions were weakening tools in lieu of strengthening national reforms.
“The unfortunate decision of the United States Government to impose additional sanctions on two South Sudanese companies runs counter to such a spirit of constructive engagement and falls short of its intention to strengthen our government institutions,” the statement read in part.
“We encourage the United States to cease its preoccupation with sanctions and choose this noble path of constructive engagement to strengthen our institutions towards consolidating peace, security, and stability for the country.”
The statement indicated that sanctions could be a great setback to the bilateral relations between South Sudan and the US and thus should be revisited beforehand.
“After South Sudan’s recent civil conflicts, the so-called Experts on South Sudan based in the United States have been continuously lobbying for counterproductive sanctions against South Sudan. Such misguided cynicism risks causing undesirable hiccups in our improving bilateral relations with America,” the statement read.
“Casting sovereign African states as children punishable through sanctions is a self-defeating form of paternalism that has no place in the advanced world. Leadership internationally will more and more accrue to those countries that uphold the principles of respect and cooperation amongst sovereign states.”
The Ministry appreciated partners for their support through developing institutions ravaged by the 2013 and the 2016 conflicts.
“Decisions to impose sanctions on African countries have far-reaching implications for America’s relations with the Continent. In South Sudan, sanctions weaken rather than reinforce our reform agenda.”
“Enlightened United States policymakers can make more rational decisions and exercise greater discretion. Despite the difficulties, we urge them to join others internationally standing with South Sudan as we incrementally build more vital institutions to deliver peace, stability, and development to our people.”
The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came after the United States Department of Treasury slapped the African Resource Corporation and Winners Construction Company Limited with sanctions on allegations of corruption.