The United States of America said it is frustrated by South Sudanese rival leaders, President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar for failing to form a unity government as scheduled, casting doubts on their ability to lead the country’s peace process.
Last week, Kiir and Machar agreed to extend the pre-transitional period by 100 days to allow for the implementation of key pending tasks including security arrangements and the decision on the number of states and their boundaries.
“Their inability to achieve this basic demonstration of political will for the people of South Sudan calls into question their suitability to continue to lead the nation’s peace process,” a statement from the State Department reads in part.
It continues, “In light of this development, the United States will revaluate its relationship with the Government of South Sudan. We will work bilaterally and with the international community to take action against all those impeding South Sudan’s peace process.”
The US further pointed out that together with the region, it will establish a new model that would achieve peace in South Sudan.
President Kiir and other political party leaders signatory to the peace deal had insisted that a coalition government be formed on November 12 but Machar called for an extension until key issues are implemented.