Petition to Lift Sanctions on South Sudanese Leaders to Foster Progress and Development
On April 17, 2025, the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) renewed sanctions against H.E. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, South Sudan’s Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster. These sanctions, first imposed in December 2017, have been extended despite the ongoing challenges facing our nation.
The renewal of these sanctions comes at a time of significant hardship for South Sudan and amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between the United States and our country. Nevertheless, we, as South Sudanese citizens, remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring the positive relations once shared between our two nations.
The South Sudan Youth Agenda on Improved US-South—represents an opportunity for young South Sudanese to actively participate in shaping the future of our country. While South Sudan continues to face political instability and economic difficulties, we believe that sanctions alone are not the solution. The root causes of our nation’s challenges originate domestically and must be addressed through internal reforms and dialogue.
Therefore, the South Sudan Youth Agenda on Improved US-South Sudan Relations—calls upon the United States to review the recently renewed sanctions on H.E. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and to lift the sanctions imposed on all members of South Sudan’s government. We urge a constructive approach that supports peace, development, and renewed cooperation between our nations.
Hon. Angok Arthur Akuien Chol (Founder— The South Sudan Youth Agenda on Improved US-South Sudan Relations) Contact the author of the petition