Bipartisan Bill for South Sudan

Press Release

A bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress introduced legislation that would impose an immediate arms embargo and additional targeted sanctions against individuals in South Sudan who've continued to perpetuate the ongoing violence and undermine efforts to end the country's brutal civil war. The Halt Arms and Promote Peace in South Sudan Act of 2016 (H.R. 5996) was introduced by the four co-chairs of the South Sudan Caucus Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL), Congressman Mike Capuano (D-MA), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) along with Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee Chairman Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ).

Since the civil war broke out in December 2013, more than 50,000 South Sudanese and 59 aid workers have been killed. Despite both parties to the conflict signing the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan on August 17, 2015, violent clashes employing tanks, helicopter gunships, and heavy weaponry have continued throughout the country that routinely affect civilian neighborhoods and United Nations compounds. In order to create conditions for the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement and to prevent further violence and human suffering, H.R. 5996 would impose an immediate arms embargo on South Sudan as well as hold individuals involved in human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law accountable for their actions. Finally, the bill lays the groundwork for, after 180 days of an uninterrupted ceasefire, a recovery and reconstruction program to help get the country back on its feet.

"The time for an arms embargo in South Sudan was yesterday," Rep. Rooney said. "The situation is dire, with reports of violence on a daily basis. It is up to the United States of America to use its strength as the world super power to put an end to this. The people of South Sudan need the leadership of the international community to help bring peace to their country and stop the senseless and brutal violence."

"The ongoing violence in South Sudan is a humanitarian crisis that simply cannot be ignored," Rep. Lee said. "Along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I strongly support the immediate implementation of an arms embargo and a robust sanctions regime to swiftly bring this crisis to an end. The U.S. remains willing and committed to supporting democracy and development within South Sudan. However, these investments can only be realized in a peaceful South Sudan."

"It's clear that South Sudan's political leaders don't plan to live up to their obligations under last year's peace agreement, so it's time to dial up the pressure. I'm proud to cosponsor this bill which would lead to real consequences if attacks against civilians and recruitment of children in South Sudan continue," said Rep. Engel. "I'm grateful to Congressman Rooney for his hard work on this legislation, and I hope Congress acts on this measure soon."

"Violence in South Sudan, instigated and supported by both officials and rebels, has taken the lives of more than 50,000 civilians and 59 international aid workers since December 2013," said Rep. Capuano. "A recent UN report documented at least 217 cases of sexual violence in Juba in July, including Americans who were specifically targeted. According to the UN Panel of Experts, weapons continue to be procured by the government, opposition and militia groups, with the civilian population of South Sudan bearing the brunt of the resulting harm. An arms embargo will limit the suffering and perhaps encourage warring parties to seek peace. Now, more than ever, the people of South Sudan need determined action to secure peace for their country."