JOHANNESBURG — The United States has called its ambassador to South Sudan back to Washington for consultations as Washington reevaluates its relationship with the country after a delay in implementing a fragile peace deal.
The unusual public U.S. State Department statement was echoed in a tweet Monday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as the United States signals its frustration with the failure of South Sudan’s rivals to meet this month’s deadline to form a coalition government.
Called back our Ambassador to #SouthSudan for consultations as we re-evaluate our relationship with the Government of South Sudan. We will work with the region to support efforts to achieve peace and a successful political transition in South Sudan.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 25, 2019
South Sudan President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar agreed to postpone that key step for 100 days. They had faced a Nov. 12 deadline but said security and governance issues needed to be resolved.
The United States said the delay “calls into question their suitability to continue to lead the nation’s peace process.”
