The United States announced on Friday it would impose visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining or obstructing sustainable peace in South Sudan.

In a press statement released by the Department of State, the U.S. government announced visa restrictions on individuals who are undermining peace efforts in South Sudan.

While the statement did not name specific individuals, it emphasized that those responsible for actions hindering peace, stability, and the well-being of the South Sudanese people would face these travel restrictions.

The U.S. Department of State reinforced its commitment to supporting the South Sudanese people in their pursuit of lasting peace and called on all parties to work towards a peaceful, inclusive future for the country.

“We note the continued failure of South Sudan’s leaders to use their nation’s resources to the benefit of its people, their failure to end public corruption and elite capture of the country’s resources, their failure to protect the people of South Sudan from abuses and violations of their human rights, including civil and political rights, and their failure to maintain peace,” the statement stated.

The statement pointed out that the United States had hoped to join the people of South Sudan last week in celebrating their country’s first election since the creation of an independent Republic of South Sudan.

It however says instead, we mark another missed opportunity for the transitional government of South Sudan to bring the cycle of election delays to an end and respect the people of South Sudan.

“Today’s actions demonstrate the United States’ continued support for the people of South Sudan and their aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and our ongoing commitment to promote accountability for those failing to maintain peace.”

This is the third tranche of actions taken pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and National Act under the policy announced in 2019 for individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining and impeding a sustainable peace in South Sudan, along with their family members.