The United Nations Security Council has extended the arms embargo and individual sanctions on South Sudan for another year, citing concerns over recent violent clashes that could trigger a fresh civil war.
Despite opposition from South Sudan and some African nations, the resolution passed with nine votes in favor and six abstentions, extending the embargo until May 31, 2026.
The council emphasized the need for both parties to avoid widespread conflict and praised the role of the Panel of Experts in monitoring the embargo.
South Sudan’s ambassador expressed deep disappointment over the renewal, arguing that the sanctions harm not just the government but also ordinary citizens, limiting economic opportunities and dignity.
Some Security Council members, including Russia and China, abstained from the vote, criticizing the sanctions for hindering South Sudan’s political progress and national security.
The US and UK delegates, however, stressed the importance of the embargo in preventing the flow of weapons into the region and supporting South Sudan’s stability.
