South Sudan risks US sanctions over delayed implementation of Kiir-Machar peace deal

JUBA - The extension of the formation of unity government in South Sudan has rattled the United States, a move that could lead to the imposition of sanctions on Africa's youngest nation.

Warring factions had in September agreed to form unity government by November 12, but the deadline has since elapsed, further warring the US.

Already, President Salva Kiir and his political nemesis Riek Machar have yet again agreed to push the deadline for another 100 days as Juba struggles to implement the deal.

In a tweet, US Secretary to the State Mike Pompeo warned possible sanctions on Juba, arguing that Washington DC will 'reevaluate' relationship with South Sudan.

"The failure of President Salva Kiir & Dr. Riek Machar to form a unity government in South Sudan by November 12 calls into question their suitability to continue to lead the nation," he said.

"The U.S. will reevaluate its relationship with the Government of South Sudan & work to take action," added Pompeo, President Donald Trump's powerful official.

Machar had blamed Kiir for slowed implementation of the deal, arguing that $100 million that was meant for the purpose had not been disbursed.

The money would aid in among others, integration of Machar's rebels to the South Sudan army. The integration of the security forces was the epicenter of the deal.

"It's not rocket science that the government in Juba lacks the political will to implement the peace deal," Puok Both Buluang, Machar's spokesman, said.

But Juba authorities insisted that they were committed to paying the sum, adding that already, $30 million had been wired to facilitate the process.

"It is well documented the economic challenges we are facing. We are committed to paying the agreed sum. So far, we have contributed almost $30m of the agreed $100m," Ateny Wek Ateny, Kiir's spokesman.

Unlike international peace deals, Kiir's government added, South Sudan had been left alone in the implementation process. The government is depending on oil revenue.

“Any peace agreement has always been supported by regional and international communities, but South Sudan has been left to Juba alone. This is the question that should be asked," James Morgan, South Sudan ambassador to AU said.

Kiir and Machar broke ranks in 2013, barely two years after South Sudan gained her independence from Khartoum after years of armed struggle.

Their differences emanated from alleged bias in ethnic representation in government, leading to the worst bloodshed in the country that also displaced thousands.

Machar fled the country to South Africa where he was given asylum. But it took the intervention of IGAD to persuade him to return to Juba.

GAROWE ONLINE