Vitter warns South Sudan to release detained American or risk losing aid

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) promised that he’d make U.S. relations with South Sudan less friendly, unless their government releases one of his constituents, who he said has been wrongly accused of committing crimes.

“We’re looking at this case very seriously as a test of their judicial system and their intentions,” Vitter said on the floor Tuesday. “If this unjust detention continues, I’ll make sure there are repercussions to that relationship.”

Vitter said Elton Mark McCabe has been released from prison on bail in South Sudan and that he’s been detained since October.

Vitter said South Sudan has until Thursday to release McCabe, when he is scheduled to appear in court. South Sudan receives more than $200 million in U.S. aid a year.

McCabe has not been officially charged. Vitter said McCabe was traveling to South Sudan on business and that a competitor with connections in the South Sudan government had charges “trumped up” against him.

Vitter also expressed concerns for McCabe’s health since he has a heart condition.

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