https://arab.news/2e6ky
- The advisory faulted the transitional government for its 鈥渇ailure to adhere to its own laws鈥� including on transparency over oil revenue
WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday warned businesses of risks in dealings in South Sudan, its latest show of frustration with dueling leaders in the impoverished country Washington once championed.
In an advisory to US businesses, the Departments of State, Commerce and Labor together told them of 鈥渢he growing reputational, financial and legal risks鈥� to transactions linked to South Sudan鈥檚 government or companies controlled by officials鈥� families.
It called on US businesses to do 鈥渄ue diligence on corruption and human rights issues鈥� and to avoid any dealings that involve South Sudanese officials who are under sanctions.
The advisory faulted the transitional government for its 鈥渇ailure to adhere to its own laws鈥� including on transparency over oil revenue.
Business dealings could 鈥渁dversely impact US businesses, individuals, other persons and their operations in South Sudan and the region,鈥� it said.
The United States helped spearhead diplomacy for the 2011 independence of majority-Christian South Sudan following two decades of war with Sudan鈥檚 majority-Muslim and Arab government in Khartoum.
The new country quickly descended into civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people, with the United States and other Western powers accusing President Salva Kiir and his rival-turned-deputy Riek Machar of dragging out implementation of a 2018 deal so they could cling to power.
The United States has halted support for the peace process but maintained humanitarian aid to South Sudan, one of the world鈥檚 poorest countries.