Security Council renews sanctions, arms embargo on South Sudan

May 30, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) voted on Thursday to extend a resolution to renew the sanctions imposed on South Sudan.

The sanctions, it said, includes assets freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo.

The resolution called for renewing sanctions on South Sudan until May 31, 2025.

The 15-member Security Council, in its resolution, also renewed the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the South Sudan Sanctions Committee until July 1, 2025.

Nine members of the Council voted for the resolution, with six nations abstaining.

Meanwhile, the US deputy ambassador, Robert Wood welcomed the resolution’s adoption saying extending the UN arms embargo on South Sudan “remains necessary to stem the unfettered flow of weapons into a region awash with guns.”

South Sudan’s ambassador to the UN, Cecilia Adeng, however, argued that eliminating the arms embargo would enable the young nation build robust security institutions necessary for maintaining peace and protecting its citizens.

“South Sudan remains dedicated to working with the international community and our regional partners to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for all South Sudanese,” she said, adding “We appeal to the Security Council to support our efforts by adopting measures that facilitate rather than hinder our progress.”

The Council imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan in July 2018 in the wake of renewed violence that erupted in July 2016. However, while some members of the Council believe the sanctions are useful, others say it is a source of insecurity.

(ST)