Royce calls for sanctions to quell violence in South Sudan

Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) urged the Obama administration on Friday to sanction high-profile people on both sides of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

Four months of war between rebel forces and the South Sudanese government has displaced more than one million people and may be responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people.

Royce, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to President Obama on Friday that urged him to take immediate action. The administration issued an executive order a month ago that allows the U.S. to sanction people in South Sudan who violate human rights or threaten peace and security there.

“It is clear that the rhetorical threat of sanctions has failed to deter the committing of atrocities in South Sudan,” Royce said. “Making the determinations that are necessary to publicly sanction high-profile leaders on both sides of the conflict will send a clear message that actions have consequences. I see no reason to wait.”

Royce said a mob armed with rocket-propelled grenades fired on the United Nations mission on April 17 and opened fire on approximately 5,000 displaced civilians who sought refuge there.

“Additionally, reports indicate that opposition commanders have forced their way into local radio stations to broadcast hate speech, encouraging their followers to commit acts of violence and sexual assaults against members of other communities,” Royce said. “Such a development is particularly chilling as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, in which such ‘hate radio’ fueled this massive killing spree.”

Going forward, Royce said the United States must continue to play a leadership role in supporting South Sudan’s independence.