Juba’s MFA&IC: No Formal US Notification Yet
South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it has not been officially notified of any United States suspension of foreign assistance in Ayod County, Jonglei State. The statement was delivered in Juba during a regular monthly media briefing on Friday.
US Decision Targets Ayod County Aid Operations
On January 8, the United States announced it was suspending foreign assistance in Ayod County and launching a review of aid to Western Bahr el-Ghazal State. US authorities cited “continued abuse and obstruction” by South Sudanese officials as the reason humanitarian operations have been hindered.
Western Bahr el-Ghazal Review and Reported Medical Supply Blockages
The US Embassy in Juba said it was also considering “significant reductions” in Western Bahr el-Ghazal. The embassy referenced reports that life-saving medical supplies have been blocked for months, framing the concern as directly linked to access and operational continuity for humanitarian partners.
Ambassador Elisapana: Claims Seen as Unsubstantiated
Addressing journalists, Ambassador Thomas Kenneth Elisapana said the government had not received official communication from the US Embassy through diplomatic channels, adding that the information had been circulating on social media. He said allegations that senior officials obstructed humanitarian work were, in his words, unsubstantiated and unfounded.
Sovereignty, Partnership, and Humanitarian Access
Elisapana said South Sudan, as a sovereign country, respects decisions taken by the US government. He also said the government has been providing access for humanitarian activities through the relevant authorities, positioning this as part of ongoing cooperation to support communities in need.
Washington’s Rationale: Responding to Abuse and Illicit Costs
The US side said the measures show US resolve to respond when officials “take advantage of the United States” rather than work in partnership to help South Sudanese people. It also linked the steps to a December 11 State Department Bureau of African Affairs statement urging an end to illicit costs.
Aid Scrutiny Continues Amid Diverging Public Narratives
US officials said the action followed what they described as continued abuse, exploitation and theft directed against US foreign assistance at multiple levels of government. South Sudan’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, maintained it had not received formal notice and rejected the core allegations, underscoring a clear gap in public narratives.