The US has issued sanctions against 15 South Sudanese oil firms in an attempt to cut off the flow of funds to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
Revenues from these entities are said to be used by the Government of South Sudan to fund the conflict, which began in 2013 between supporters of president Salva Kiir and vice-president Riek Machar.
The 15 firms have been placed on the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List, which means any companies wishing to export, re-export or transfer any item of US-origin to these firms need to obtain a licence to do so.
In a statement, the US State Department said: “Unfortunately, the South Sudanese Government, and corrupt official actors, use this revenue to purchase weapons and fund irregular militias that undermine the peace, security, and stability of South Sudan rather than support the welfare and current emergency food needs of the South Sudanese people.
“Today’s actions are part of our ongoing effort to hold to account those who foment violence, commit human rights violations, obstruct the peace process, or engage in illicit financial activities against the interest of the South Sudanese people.”
According to Reuters, the South Sudanese Government unveiled its plans last year to increase oil production by more than two times to 290,000 barrels per day (bpd) in fiscal 2017/2018.
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By GlobalDataSome of the entities named in the Entity List include South Sudanese state-owned firm Nile Petroleum, Dar Petroleum Operating Company and Malaysia’s Petronas.
