The United States on Monday placed sanctions on two close associates of South Sudan's president, saying they are fomenting conflict.

This is the latest move by the United States to put more pressure on South Sudan’s political leaders to implement the 2018 peace deal.

The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Kuol Manyang Juuk, the minister of defense and Martin Elia Lomuro, South Sudan's cabinet affairs minister.

The Treasury Department said Kuol and Lomuro were blacklisted for their role in expanding or extending the conflict including by obstructing the reconciliation process or peace talks.

“As of late 2019, Lomuro and another South Sudanese government official were reportedly responsible for actively recruiting and organizing local militias used to conduct attacks against opposition forces in South Sudan,” the statement said.

The United State further said a group of senior South Sudanese officials led by Kuol Manyang Juuk decided to use government troops, artillery, and other heavy weapons to strengthen local fighters against a rival tribe in 2017. 

“The United States stands by the people of South Sudan who continue to suffer under this political instability that has led to thousands of deaths. The South Sudanese deserve leaders who are committed to laying the groundwork for a successful, peaceful political transition,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Justin Muzinich.

The sanctions came days after Washington said it would implement visa restrictions against those who undermine the peace process in South Sudan.

The United States has expressed its frustration over the slow progress on the peace deal signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar in September 2018, saying it has yet to see concrete steps by the government to create the political and security conditions conducive to formation of a unity government and adequate implementation of the peace deal.  

Government and opposition leaders have extended the deadline twice, most recently on November 7, 2019, and have twice failed to make any progress towards a unity government or adequate implementation of the peace agreement.  

On November 12, President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar were given 100 days to resolve their differences and form a transitional government in February 2020.