US Imposes Visa Restrictions on South Sudan Government Members

Sudan Events – Agencies

The U.S. Department of State announced on Friday that the United States has imposed visa restrictions on members of the South Sudan government and others who have obstructed humanitarian aid access by imposing excessive taxes on shipments.
UN missions in the region reported that South Sudanese authorities are holding United Nations fuel tankers due to a tax dispute, raising concerns that millions of dollars worth of aid may not be delivered during a humanitarian crisis.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “Despite assurances, the government has not yet reduced the excessively high costs nor eased the bureaucratic obstacles and risks associated with delivering humanitarian aid to those in need in South Sudan.”
He added in a statement, “This raises questions about their willingness and ability to meet the commitments outlined in the 2018 peace agreement to create a favorable environment for delivering humanitarian assistance and protecting (such aid).”
The visa restrictions bar the targeted individuals from entering the United States.