The United States government has criticized South Sudan for using violence and intimidation to crackdown on civil society activists, the latest chapter in a deteriorating relationship between the two countries. 

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said she was “outraged” that South Sudan’s government had harassed civil society activists who met with the Security Council on a four day visit to South Sudan last weekend. During the trip, the Security Council gave President Salva Kiir an ultimatum: accept an additional 4,000 peacekeeping troops, or face an arms embargo and targeted sanctions. 

Activists met with the Security Council to discuss a range of issues. A new law NGO law in South Sudan limits "the ability of civil society and humanitarian organizations to function effectively in South Sudan,” State Department spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement. 

The US government says it is the largest humanitarian donor to South Sudan but Congressional officials have recently threatened to cut off support.