JUBA, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Threats by the United States to cut assistance to South Sudan may not end the ongoing conflict in the East African country, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
Mawen Makol Arik, Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said withdrawing support will affect the progress of the peace negotiations because it will make the several opposition factions not to commit to the talks.
"Now as we are about to go for consultations (on the next round of peace talks in Ethiopia) tomorrow, we are getting negative comments from the U.S.. Does the American government really want peace in South Sudan? Such statements are the ones emboldening the opposition not to work for peace," Arik said.
The Trump administration on Tuesday threatened to stop giving aid to South Sudan over the ongoing civil unrest, adding that the government of President Salva Kiir has lost credibility.
Washington further condemned South Sudan's military offensive against the opposition and the planned elections, which the Trump administration termed as "sham".
But Arik said the credibility of a government leading a sovereign state like South Sudan cannot be questioned by other countries.
He said the government of South Sudan seeks to continue dialoguing with the U.S. government in a bid to find better ways of ending the conflict.
"Whatever decision they have arrived to, it is their legitimate right to do. We government of South Sudan cannot decide for the U.S.. The government is committed to the peace process through the revitalization forum and the national dialogue," Arik said.
"If they have decided not to help us, we will urge other people who are supporting the peace process to continue with their support," he added.
South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013, and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world. The UN estimates that about 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally.
A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under United Nations pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.
