The United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs has sharply criticised South Sudan’s transitional government, accusing it of repeatedly failing to honour commitments to international partners and its responsibilities to citizens.

In a strongly worded statement issued last week and extended to media outlets, the Bureau described ongoing claims of political dialogue as “ludicrous” while suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar remains under house arrest and on trial.

“It is farcical to say that such dialogue is taking place while the head of the second largest party to the agreement, First Vice President Machar, is under arrest and on trial,” the statement read.

The Bureau reiterated President Donald Trump’s position that the United States “will not be taken advantage of,” demanding immediate action to preserve continued US support.

“The transitional government must undertake urgent action to uphold peace and mitigate the risk of civil war through an immediate return to dialogue among the parties to the 2018 peace agreement,” it said.

The statement also called for the South Sudanese government to address misuse of public revenue, ensuring funds are directed toward legitimate public purposes such as salaries, health, education, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure.

“United States taxpayer-funded emergency assistance is not a substitute for good governance and transparent public financial management,” the Bureau emphasised.

It further demanded an end to “abuse, exploitation, and theft” of US foreign assistance by South Sudanese officials at national, state, and county levels, warning that such practices waste taxpayer dollars and hinder South Sudan’s transformation into a “capable and reliable state for US trade and investment.”

The Bureau concluded by insisting that South Sudan must fully cooperate with US immigration law and border security priorities, stating: “The South Sudanese exploitation of the US immigration system must end.”

The statement reflects growing US frustration with the slow implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, ongoing violence, and persistent governance challenges in South Sudan.

It comes amid recent high-profile arrests of senior officials and continued trial proceedings against Dr. Machar and co-accused on charges including treason and crimes against humanity related to the March 2025 Nasir garrison attack.

No immediate response has been issued from the South Sudanese government or the Office of the President at the time of publication.