This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On January 9, 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai for his alleged involvement in serious human rights violations.
According to the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Gai was penalized for his role in silencing critics, including through death.
Gai responded to the sanctions in a statement, denying the allegations and expressing regret over the move.
'I have been wrongly accused of serious human rights abuses,' Gai said. 'I deeply regret those baseless and unfounded allegations and wish to assure the international community, and above all the people of South Sudan, that my life has always been dedicated to building of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.'
The sanctions bar Gai from entering US territory, owning assets there, or doing business with Americans.
Gai vowed to continue serving the interests of the common South Sudanese citizen, despite the sanctions.
'I share common belief that our country's strength and future relies in our dedication as a government to fight impunity, promote democracy and grantee the rule of law and individual freedoms, along with a life free from human right violations for our people,' Gai said. 'I pledge to continue working with the United States and International community at large to demonstrate such commitment.'
