The United States government on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two senior members of South Sudan’s government and close associates of the President, Salva Kiir, alleging they personally profited from a climate of corruption thus undermining peace, security and stability in the crisis-stricken nation. The Treasury Department 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 chief of staff of the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army until President Salva Kiir fired him in May. Three companies owned or controlled by Riak also were sanctioned. The sanctions freeze any assets they may have in U.S. jurisdictions, ban them from travel to the United States and bar Americans from doing business with them.
Three firms owned by Reuben — All Energy Investments, A+ Engineering, Electronics & Media Printing and Mak International Services — were also targeted by the sanctions.
In addition, the Treasury Department issued a notice to banks warning that doing business with South Sudanese officials and companies who are suspected of laundering money obtained through corruption may bring penalties.
“Treasury will forcefully respond to the atrocities ongoing in South Sudan by targeting those who abuse human rights, seek to derail the peace process, and obstruct reconciliation in South Sudan,” Sigal Mandelker, the Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.
South Sudan is in the midst of a four-year civil war that has killed tens of thousands of people and forced more than two million people to flee their homes.
Nigerian troops and policemen are an integral part of United Nations peacekeeping mission in the South Sudan (UNMISS), authorised by the Security Council resolution 2327 of 16 December 2016.
