The United States has announced extensive visa restrictions on members of South Sudan’s transitional government. It was stated that this action was taken because the government has deliberately obstructed the country’s fragile peace process and looted billions of dollars from the national treasury.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling a hardening of Washington’s stance toward the leadership in Juba. Under the authority granted by Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the State Department has targeted individuals who undermine the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which was signed in 2018 during the first Trump administration.
The State Department’s statement painted a bleak picture, suggesting the country is on the verge of returning to full-scale war. Despite the 2018 agreement, key tasks—including the unification of armed forces and preparations for long-delayed elections—remain unfulfilled. “The transitional government has obstructed the implementation of the peace agreement for years, bringing the country to the brink of a return to full-scale conflict,” the State Department noted.
Of particular concern is the military offensive launched in northern Jonglei State by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), which is under the direct control of President Salva Kiir. This offensive has displaced over 300,000 people, worsening the humanitarian crisis and leaving vast areas of South Sudan facing the threat of famine. Additionally, the U.S. expressed concern over reports of “ethnic cleansing” against the Nuer people, fearing the country could slide back into its previous patterns of ethnic conflict.
The sanctions also target the economic foundations underlying the conflict. The U.S. specifically named Crawford Capital, Ltd. an entity allegedly used by corrupt officials to plunder South Sudan’s coffers. Investigators revealed that such entities have been used to steal foreign aid money intended for the South Sudanese people, diverting it for personal gain.
While the names of the officials included in the visa ban were not disclosed due to confidentiality laws, the message to Juba is clear: the era of “limitless patience” has ended. “The United States continues to stand with the people of South Sudan who wish to live in peace and dignity,” the State Department statement concluded. “We will use all available tools to hold accountable those who steal from the South Sudanese people and threaten the peace.”
This move comes as the United Nations Security Council prepares to vote on extending the arms embassy on South Sudan. By imposing these visa restrictions now, the U.S. is signaling its commitment to leading international pressure to ensure accountability in the peace process.
