South Sudan has downplayed the US decision to cut financial aid to the country, the privately owned Eye Radio website has reported.

Information Minister Michael Makuei dismissed the announcement made on Thursday by John Bolton, President Donald Trump's national security adviser.

Mr Makuei said:

They have already cut it, what are we getting from them now - that is one. Number two, the government of South Sudan had not been running on the American aid. I thought what they were doing was a humanitarian work which has nothing to do with politics"

Mr Bolton, who was unveiling the US policy in Africa, made scathing comments against the leaders of South Sudan during the speech.

“We will not provide loans or more American resource to a South Sudanese government led by the same morally bankrupt leaders who perpetuate the horrific violence and made human suffering in South Sudan," he said.