The United States (US) has imposed financial sanctions on South Sudanese first vice-president, Taban Deng Gai, accusing him of ordering the killing of the opposition leaders.
According to a statement issued by the US Treasury department, Gai caused a state of suspicion that fueled the conflict in southern Sudan and undermined the peace process.
“South Sudanese Vice-Presidnet arranged and directed the alleged killings of opposition politician Aggrey Idri Ezibon and human rights lawyer Dong Samuel Luak in a move to solidify his position in the government and intimidate members of the opposition,” the statement read.
"Gai's attempt to silence the opposition, derailing the country's ability to implement a peace agreement," the statement added.
It is worth mentioning that, Gai, former governor of an oil-rich region in South Sudan, has long been a powerful government figure in the country with close ties to Kiir, according to Reuters.
In November, the US recalled its ambassador from South Sudan and said it was re-evaluating its relationship with the African country’s government.
Civil war broke out in oil-producing South Sudan in 2013, less than two years after the country gained independence from Sudan following decades of war. The conflict has killed an estimated 400,000 people and forced millions from their homes.
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