The United States Department of State has announced visa restrictions on several South Sudanese individuals on March 13, 2024.
These restrictions target those deemed responsible for undermining peace efforts through corruption, which the US says fuels ongoing conflict in the country.
The press statement released by Department Spokesperson Mathhew Miller stated the ongoing challenges South Sudan faces, including a lack of political will to create a stable and prosperous nation. The blame for this, according to the US, lies with leaders who prioritize personal gain through corrupt practices over the well-being of the South Sudanese people.
The visa restrictions, implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, will make it difficult for these individuals and potentially their families to enter the United States. The US emphasizes that these sanctions are not directed at the South Sudanese people or the government as a whole, but rather a targeted approach to address specific actors hindering progress.