The United States has accused South Sudan’s Minister of Information Michael Makuei of involvement in planning and coordinating an April 17, 2014 attack on the UN compound in the Jonglei State capital of Bor, which killed 47 civilians, mostly women and children, and injured as many as 270.
The Treasury Department on Wednesday 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.
The Trump administration said the sanctions were in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in world’s youngest nation and the role of officials in undermining peace.
The Treasury Department also said Makuei had advocated actions that obstructed the delivery of humanitarian aid and activities of international peacekeeping and diplomatic missions in the country.
It further said Makuei worked to obstruct and undermine the execution and implementation of the August 2015 peace agreement in South Sudan.
In February 2016, according the Treasury, Makuei reportedly declared that territory in Upper Nile region was a “war zone” that was not covered by the provisions of the peace agreement.
“Days later, violence broke out in the Upper Nile region and the South Sudanese military aided irregular tribal militias in storming the UNMISS Protection of Civilians site in Malakal. These forces looted property, set ablaze portions of the camp and killed civilians and humanitarian workers,” the Treasury said.
Makuei has also been accused of ordering the closure of Juba International Airport in April 23, 2016, apparently to delay and obstruct the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity.
“Makuei claimed that the closure was due to the inadequate verification of the weapons accompanying opposition security forces, even though the South Sudanese military had already verified them,” it said.
Makuei told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that he didn’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,” he said.
NOTICE OF CORRECTION: This report originally stated that three UN guards and 140 civilians were killed in the April 17, 2014 attack on the UN compound in Bor. This is incorrect. None of the UN soldiers killed but at least 47 civilians were killed.