The Biden Administration’s Opportunity to Influence South Sudan’s Future

The Biden administration has the opportunity to implement impactful network sanctions against President Salva Kiir’s regime in South Sudan, which has faced systemic corruption and failed governance since its independence. Despite previous attempts to stabilize the government and promote democratic elections, these have largely been sabotaged by Kiir’s actions. A focused approach involving targeted sanctions on high-level officials is needed to foster accountability and support for the South Sudanese people.

As the Biden administration draws closer to the end of its term, there still lies an opportunity to take impactful action regarding South Sudan, a nation to which many current officials contributed during its inception under President Barack Obama in 2011. Since the onset of civil war in 2013, the situation has worsened, with widespread corruption and a failing economy. A focus on imposing network-based sanctions on President Salva Kiir and his corrupt regime could serve as a powerful tool in promoting democratic governance and accountability within the country.

The current state of affairs in South Sudan is emblematic of a greater historical trend, where entrenched power structures exploit resources for personal gain while employing extreme measures to suppress dissent. The Khartoum regime, as redefined by Kiir since the nation’s formation, means that every attempt at democratic reform is undermined by systemic corruption and a series of postponed, largely ineffectual elections that only reinforce existing power dynamics, thus keeping Kiir and his associates in control.

Continuing tentativeness shown by the international community, particularly concerning a scheduled electoral process, has allowed Kiir to manipulate expectations. Although an agreement was reached in 2018 to pursue a peace agreement culminating in free elections, the implementation of this agreement has been scant at best, as evidenced by the suspension of crucial reforms and the promulgation of oppressive legislation that curtails citizens’ rights.

Moreover, Kiir displays an adeptness at using superficial gestures toward reform to placate international criticism while simultaneously reneging on commitments whenever it suits the regime’s interests. The history of the past decade highlights that mere elections will not significantly alter South Sudan’s political landscape or deliver genuine democratic governance.

It is imperative for the U.S. and its international partners to adopt a more robust strategy aimed at dismantling the kleptocratic structures built by Kiir and his allies. The implementation of targeted network sanctions against high-level officials, as opposed to low-ranking individuals, would place significant pressure on the regime, potentially incentivizing change.

With established organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) already recognizing South Sudan’s substantial anti-money laundering deficiencies, further financial pressure could contribute to altering the incentive structures that encourage governmental corruption. The preceding financial measures have historically shown effectiveness when consistently applied.

In summary, only by addressing the root causes of the kleptocratic governance in South Sudan can the hopes for transparency, efficiency, and accountability materialize. The Biden administration still possesses the capacity to initiate reform through strategic sanctions, thereby paving the way for a more democratic environment, and restoring the faith of the South Sudanese populace in their leadership.

The complex situation in South Sudan can be traced back to its declaration of independence from Sudan in 2011. Despite the initial optimism surrounding its creation, the country soon faced a civil war in 2013, exacerbating issues of governance and rampant corruption. President Salva Kiir’s regime has consistently thwarted efforts towards establishing democracy and has leveraged resources for personal enrichment rather than national development. The international community has historically struggled with effective interventions, often relying on diplomatic agreements that have proven unsuccessful in altering the entrenched power dynamics.

As the Biden administration approaches its concluding weeks, decisive action in the form of targeted sanctions against South Sudan’s ruling elite could catalyze the necessary shift towards democratization. By holding Kiir and his associates accountable, and addressing the network of corruption sustaining their power, the U.S. can significantly influence the trajectory of South Sudan toward building a legitimate and accountable government that benefits its citizens.

Original Source: www.justsecurity.org