It was reported that sanctions have been imposed on South Sudanese First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai. The U.S Treasury Department stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Washington. The Treasury Department accused Taban Deng Gai of having hands in the death of Aggrey Idri Ezibon (opposition politician) and Dong Samuel Luak (human rights lawyer) in order to solidify his position in the government and intimidate members of the opposition. Taban Deng Gai who has a close ties to President Salva Kiir has been a powerful government figure in the country. Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State said that Taban Deng Gai acted on behalf of President Salva Kiir to divide and sow distrust which would extend the conflict in South Sudan and impede the reconciliation and peace process. This is the United States latest move to pressure the South Sudanese’s politicians to form a unity government. The sanctions freezes any U.S assets Taban Deng Gai has and also prohibit Americans from doing business with him.
Source: Viewers Corner News.