South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei is sidestepping comment on targeted sanctions against him by the United States, saying he doesn’t have anything to say on the issue of sanctions.
“I don’t want to talk about this issue until they send us the decision officially so that we reply officially,” Minister Makuei told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon.
The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two senior members of South Sudan’s government, a former official and three South Sudanese companies for undermining peace, security and stability in the crisis-stricken nation.
The Treasury Department sanctioned Gen. Malek Reuben Riak Rengu, the army’s deputy chief of staff in charge of military procurement, and Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister. Sanctions were also imposed on Paul Malong Awan, the former army chief. Three companies owned or controlled by Reuben also were sanctioned.
John Prendergast, Co-founder of The Sentry and Founding Director at the Enough Project, said the actions taken against top South Sudanese officials are critical steps forward but much more must be done.
Brian Adeba, Associate Director of Policy at the Enough Project, said: “This is an important step that addresses the impunity and intransigence of those who perpetuate war in South Sudan. It is imperative that the U.S and the international community push to ensure that these financial pressures are enforced in order to elevate the chances of peace to reign in South Sudan.”
Debra LaPrevotte, Senior Investigator at The Sentry, said yesterday's action by the U.S. government is a welcome step to address the grand corruption The Sentry investigations have helped bring to light.
South Sudan is suffering from a four-year civil war that has killed tens of thousands of people and forced more than two million people to flee.