Angola now backs UN proposal for arms embargo on S. Sudan
February 27, 2016 (JUBA) – Angola, a country that opposed last year’s calls for a United Nations arms embargo on South Sudan, is now urging the UN Security Council to implement the move.
“The situation evolves and you have to evolve with the situation. Now what is necessary to do is an arms embargo,” Angola’s ambassador to the world body, Ismael Abraao Martins was quoted saying on Friday.
He added, “We have proposed [an embargo]. I hope everybody goes with it.”
Angola, an elected member of the UN Security Council, had earlier argued that South the Sudanese warring factions be allocated more time to implement the peace deal.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced followed the mid-December 2013 outbreak of fighting between forces loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his ex-vice president Riek Machar.
A recent report by a UN panel of experts accuses both Kiir and Machar of controlling forces that are responsible for the killing of innocent civilians.
About 200,000 people, the UN says, sheltering at its various protection sites in South Sudan and over 2.3 million people have been displaced.
The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki moon announced Thursday an allocation of $21 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the people of South Sudan. The fund, he said, will provide protection and relief to people, mostly in need.
South Sudan’s Humanitarian Response Plan is reportedly only 3% funded, yet over $1.3 billion is needed to address needs of over 5 million people for this year alone
(ST)