Rice said people were suffering because of the inability of politicians in the country ‘to put their people’s interests above their own’.

Political infighting between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and former Vice President turned rebel leader Riek Machar started last December. This has led to a conflict that placed more than 7 million at risk of hunger and disease, according to the United Nations.

Announcing the emergency funding, Rice said both Kiir and Machar have to take action to prevent further needless suffering, she warned.

‘It is more critical than ever that both sides end the violence and ensure the safety of humanitarian aid workers so that they can reach those most in need across South Sudan,’ Rice added.

The money includes a release from the Department of Agriculture’s Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust as well as funds from the US Agency for International Development to feed people who face the worst food security situation in the world, she said.

The announcement comes after members of the UN Security Council visited South Sudan on Tuesday and reiterated the body was ready to impose sanctions on anyone who undermines the ongoing peace talks to stop the conflict.

In May, the international community committed over $600m to help meet urgent humanitarian needs in South Sudan.

At the time, the South Sudanese government and its opposition leaders expressed their readiness to work with the international community to mobilise aid.