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U.S. Vows Tough Sanctions If South Sudan Doesn't End Conflict

  • Arms embargo, banking restrictions among moves being mulled
  • Four-year war has killed thousands, forced millions to flee
Refugees from South Sudan cross a bridge over the Kaya river at the South Sudanese border point.

Refugees from South Sudan cross a bridge over the Kaya river at the South Sudanese border point.

Photographer: Isaac Kasamani/AFP via Getty Images

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The U.S. will enact far-reaching sanctions on South Sudanese officials and rebel leaders if they undermine new talks seeking to end a four-year civil war, the top American diplomat in the country said.

An arms embargo and economic and banking restrictions are all being considered after limited sanctions “definitely got the attention” of the warring sides, according to Michael Morrow, the U.S. Embassy’s charge d’affaires. The country hasn’t had a U.S. ambassador since July as a successor nominated by President Donald Trump’s awaits Senate approval.