South Sudan, angered by sanctions, summons U.S. charge d’affaires

[Elisabeth Janaina]

South Sudan, angered by sanctions, summons U.S. charge d’affaires
File photo: U.S. charge d’affaires in Juba Michael K. Morrow
File photo: U.S. charge d’affaires in Juba Michael K. Morrow

South Sudan’s government this afternoon summoned the U.S. charge
d’affaires in Juba Michael K. Morrow to protest against the U.S.
sanctions imposed on senior members of government, a former official
for undermining peace, security, or stability of the country.

The official spokesman of South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
told Radio Tamazuj that the ministry has summoned the U.S. charge
d’affaires in South Sudan to lodge a formal complaint over the
sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department.

“We are going to meet with the U.S. charge d’affaires around 4:00 pm
beaus of the U.S. sanctions. We called him to tell him that we are not
happy about what happened,” said Mawien Makol.

“We are not happy because we have good relations with the American
government. We want to know the reasons for the sanctions so that the
diplomat can inform his government,” he added.

The South Sudanese diplomat confirmed his government’s commitment to
bring about peace in the country, while urging the international
community to support South Sudan in its endeavour to make peace.

The Trump administration last week imposed sanctions on Gen. Malek
Reuben Riak Rengu, the army’s deputy chief of staff in charge of
military procurement; and Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s
information minister. In addition, sanctions were placed on Paul
Malong Awan, who was the army chief until President Kiir sacked him in
May. Three companies owned or controlled by Riak also were sanctioned.