March 9, 2015-The Sudan Tribune reports that President Kiir called the decision of the US to back UN sanctions “extremely disappointing.”

Spokesperson for the Office of the President Awan Guol Riak said on Sunday that the government was surprised and unhappy to realize that the US, which supported South Sudan’s independence, has turned her back by leading efforts to impose sanctions on individuals.

“It is extremely disappointing that not just a friend but someone who has always been on our side all along can make such an unfortunate U-turn to lead the process to bring down all that has been achieved,” he said.

The US State Department has condemned the lack of political leadership to resolve the conflict and warned against further fighting.

“We will ensure that those who committed acts of violence-or otherwise undermine efforts towards peace-are held accountable,” said a March 6 statement.