In a press release issued by the White House on March 26, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. announced the continuation of the national emergency declaration with respect to South Sudan.
The declaration, initially made on April 3, 2014, under Executive Order 13664, was extended, citing the ongoing threat posed to the national security and foreign policy of the United States by the situation in and in relation to South Sudan.
The declaration was made pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the President authority to address unusual and extraordinary threats to the nation.
The situation in South Sudan has been characterised by activities deemed detrimental to peace, security, and stability, including widespread violence, atrocities, human rights abuses, recruitment and deployment of child soldiers, attacks on peacekeepers, and obstruction of humanitarian operations.
President Biden emphasised that, despite the passage of time, the situation in South Sudan continues to represent a significant threat to the interests of the United States. Consequently, the national emergency declared in 2014 has been extended for an additional year in accordance with the National Emergencies Act.
The president’s decision to extend the national emergency declaration underscores the ongoing concern over the situation in South Sudan and the necessity for continued vigilance and action.
The press release further noted that the notice of extension would be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to Congress as required by law.
