South Sudan’s government this afternoon summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires in Juba Michael K. Morrow to protest against the U.S. sanctions imposed on senior members of government, a former official for undermining peace, security, or stability of the country.
The official spokesman of South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Radio Tamazuj that the ministry has summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires in South Sudan to lodge a formal complaint over the sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department.
“We are going to meet with the U.S. charge d’affaires around 4:00 pm because of the U.S. sanctions. We called him to tell him that we are not happy about what happened,” said Mawien Makol.
“We are not happy because we have good relations with the American government. We want to know the reasons for the sanctions so that the diplomat can inform his government,” he added.
The South Sudanese diplomat confirmed his government’s commitment to bring about peace in the country, while urging the international community to support South Sudan in its endeavour to make peace.
The Trump administration last week imposed sanctions on 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. In addition, sanctions were placed on Paul Malong Awan, who was the army chief until President Kiir sacked him in May. Three companies owned or controlled by Riak also were sanctioned.