US Threatens to Cut Aid to South Sudan over Shipment Fees

The United States has warned South Sudan of potential reductions in its foreign aid unless Juba abolishes fees imposed on humanitarian shipments, which Washington considers unlawful.

In a sharply worded statement, the US State Department accused the South Sudanese government of levying excessive charges on aid shipments and obstructing United Nations peacekeeping operations.

No response was immediately available from South Sudan’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The US is South Sudan’s largest humanitarian donor and has already implemented significant cuts in foreign aid this year.

South Sudan, with a population of around 12 million, continues to face conflict and crises since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. International donors have repeatedly objected to attempts by the South Sudanese authorities to tax humanitarian imports.

The US statement said these actions represent serious violations of South Sudan’s international obligations and called on the transitional government to halt these measures immediately. Failure to comply could trigger a comprehensive review of US foreign aid, including the possibility of substantial cuts.