The US placed 15 South Sudanese "oil-related entities" contributing to the conflict in South Sudan on the US Department of Commerces Entity List, US Department of State said
The State Department said it would impose a license requirement on these entities to do business in the US, putting pressure on President Salva Kiir's government to deal with the conflict.
Transactions with individuals or organizations on the Entity List are seen as a red flag by the US government and meant to be monitored more carefully, according to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute.
"The listed entities are a source of substantial revenue for the Government of South Sudan. Unfortunately, the South Sudanese Government, and corrupt official actors, use this revenue to purchase weapons and fund irregular militias that undermine the peace, security, and stability of South Sudan," the State Department said.
The US is the largest donor of aid to South Sudan, where conflict has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives.
"We remain prepared to take additional actions, including sanctioning those who threaten the peace and security of South Sudan," the State Department said.
