The United States has imposed sanctions on fifteen South Sudanese oil operators said to be crucial sources of cash for the government in action said to be aimed at exerting pressure on President Salva Kiir.
According to the US State Department, the South Sudanese Government, and corrupt official actors use this revenue to purchase weapons and fund irregular militias that undermine the peace, security, and stability of South Sudan.
The recent sanction adds on the already existing arms embargo that halts the flow of weapons into the country in a bid to curb the carnage caused by the fighting in the country.
South Sudan has been wracked by civil war since 2013 when troops loyal to Kiir clashed with those loyal to then-Vice President Riek Machar. Since then, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, slashed oil production and driven about a third of the population of 12 million from their homes.
