South Sudan President Salva Kiir has reiterated his appeal to the International Community to lift sanctions imposed on South Sudan.

Kiir addressed the nation in a speech read by the Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin on Sunday evening.

The remarks were made on the same day that Pope Francis departed the country after ending their three-day ecumenical peace pilgrimage in the country.

President Kiir urges the international community and allies to end what he terms ‘harmful sanctions, financial restrictions, and unhealthy agitations’ on the country.

Instead, President Kiir appeals to the UN and the Troika to lift the sanctions imposed on the country and continue to render humanitarian assistance and support toward infrastructure development.

The Minister of President Affairs, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin read President Kiir’s statement on SSBC on Sunday.

“In this period of peace and love I call upon the international community and our allies to support South Sudan in its quest for peace,” he said.

“I urge them to end harmful sanctions, financial restrictions, and unhealthy agitations. Yes, we need their continued constructive advice, humanitarian assistance, and other support towards the infrastructure development capacity building among others.”

In April 2014 the US imposed sanctions on senior South Sudanese officials including military officers and business entities that it deemed as a threat to the peace, security, and stability of South Sudan.

The sanctions block the property and interests in property of persons that are determined by the Secretary of Treasury.

Also, in July 2018, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan due to renewed violence in July 2016 that violated the 2015 peace deal.