South Sudan cabinet minister Martin Elia Lomuro (L) and minister of information Michael Makuei. [Photo courtesy]

The Minister of Cabinet Affairs says the United States targeted sanctions on him and other officials have made them stronger to speak boldly for the country.

Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro says United States sanctions against him and Michael Makuei have emboldened them to speak more.

Dr Martin Elia Lomuro was slapped with sanctions in 2019 by the US government for allegedly obstructing the South Sudan peace process.

The US government also sanctioned Information Minister Michael Makuei in 2017 on the accusations of playing a role in threatening the peace, security, or stability of South Sudan.

Minister Lomuro shrugged off the sanctions, arguing that they have only been emboldened to speak boldly in moving the country forward.

“Me and my friend here [Michael Makuei], we have been sanctioned for speaking up for the country, and what did that do us…make us proud, even speak more,” said Dr Lomuro during a joint press briefing in Juba on Tuesday.

“If I have to be double sanctioned because we believe those who died paid a higher price than us,” he said.

“We can do that by talking, by being steadfast, by helping the government, by standing with the President and carrying the country forward.”

The punitive measures mean the officials cannot travel to the US, own assets there or conduct business in US currency.