In arguably the biggest direct criticism since the outbreak of civil
war in South Sudan, the USA’s top external security advisor said South Sudan’s government
has “squandered its legitimacy” and “subverted democracy.”
National Security Advisor Susan Rice referenced massive widespread
violence and human rights abuses in a video message designed to coincide with
South Sudan's Independence Day.
Rice accused both President Salva Kiir and anti-government forces
leader Riak Machar of greed and power-hunger.
“President Kiir and Riek Machar and their cronies are personally
responsible for this new war and self-inflicted disaster... President Kiir and
Riek Machar would rather haggle over personal power and wealth than agree on
solutions.”
“Over the past 19 months the government has abdicated its
responsibilities, failed to protect its citizens and squandered its legitimacy.
Instead of negotiating a resolution to the conflict it has subverted democracy
and unilaterally extended its mandate,” said Rice.
Rice was referring to a constitutional amendment passed by South
Sudan's parliament year to extend the legal mandate of the President and other
national officials for three years beyond July 8th 2015.
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| USA National Security Advisor Susan Rice (seen left) in happier times with South Sudan President Salva Kiir |
Rice has urged the establishment of “a transitional government that
can serve with legitimacy and represent the needs of the people of South
Sudan.”
This is not the first time the US government has criticized the South
Sudanese government; however, it is the first high-level statement from Rice in
a long time following mixed signals from her office earlier this year.
It was previously reported that Rice was personally blocking international
diplomatic efforts to impose a weapons import ban on South Sudan, according to
Foreign Policy website.
In spite of her earlier reported opposition to the weapons ban, Rice
is part of a group of Washington officials who have threatened to impose
sanctions in the form of bank freezes and travel bans on South Sudan’s warring leaders
perpetrating violence or blocking or peace efforts.
However the sanctions already in place on several individuals are seen
by leading analysts as a paper tiger, with all of the targets holding little or
no assets that can actually be targeted.
Philippe Bolopion, the UN representative for Human Rights Watch, told
Foreign Policy, “The threats are getting old and harder to take seriously now.
They have been threatening to impose sanctions for a long time.”