Ambassador James Morgan Pitia, Presidential Envoy for the Great Lakes Region - (Photo: File/ COURTESY)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has rejected recent sanctions and visa restrictions imposed by the United States on South Sudanese officials and business entities, including Crawford Company, calling the measures a mischaracterisation of the country’s peace implementation progress.

In a press statement dated May 13, 2026, the ministry said it received “with grave concern” remarks issued by U.S. State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott regarding the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Washington recently announced visa restrictions targeting officials in the Transitional Government of National Unity, alongside measures against selected business entities operating in South Sudan.

The ministry accused the United States Department of State of misrepresenting the progress of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

It said the concerns raised by Washington did not reflect the realities of implementation and urged international partners to engage the parties through constructive engagement and mutual understanding.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation denounces the position and mischaracterization of the status of the implementation of the R-ARCSS as depicted by the United States Department of State and calls upon the United States Government, Peace Partners and the International Community to engage constructively with the parties to the Agreement.,” the statement read.

The ministry called on the United States government and other peace partners to pursue dialogue and cooperation in addressing outstanding issues, in order to support implementation of the peace agreement, advance preparations for elections, and promote South Sudan’s democratic transition.

It further urged all stakeholders to avoid unilateral measures and instead focus on diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the country.

The statement comes amid renewed international scrutiny over delays in the implementation of key provisions of the peace agreement and broader concerns about governance and accountability in South Sudan.