WASHINGTON - 21 May 2015

USA says further damage to South Sudan oil infrastructure would be 'life-long wound'

The United States government yesterday condemned escalating violence in South Sudan and warned that any damage to the country's oil infrastruture would cause long-term damage to the country's future well-being.

Marie Harf, Deputy US State Department Spokesperson, said that recent escalations in violence in Unity and Upper Nile states “have led to massive new displacements and had a devastating effect on civilians.”

She said the US government calls on “all armed groups to immediately halt offensive actions taken in contravention of the January 2014 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.”

Also she said, “Any damage to South Sudan’s oil infrastructure is an additional life-long wound to the people and jeopardizes South Sudan’s development and rebuilding. These resources belong to all South Sudanese people and the needs of the nation should be prioritized over the violent intentions of a few.”