This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Published on November 26, 2019, the US has expressed its frustration with South Sudan's leaders over their failure to form a government, a move that has led to the recall of the US ambassador.
The US, a key supporter of South Sudan, has been vocal in its exasperation over the lack of progress in the young country. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter that he called back the ambassador 'as we re-evaluate our relationship with the government of South Sudan.'
South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel chief Riek Machar fell out in 2013, sparking a conflict that has left hundreds of thousands dead. The two leaders missed a November 12 deadline to form a unity government, prompting African mediators to give them another 100 days.
The US contributes about $1 billion a year in mostly humanitarian aid for South Sudan, and has been a key player in efforts to achieve peace and a successful political transition in the country.
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy earlier this month said that he believed Kiir and Machar had grown content with the status quo, with the international community providing the food, medicines, and other essential needs that are the responsibilities of governments to do.
