NEW YORK, United States (Kaab TV) – The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend the arms embargo on South Sudan for another year, along with travel bans, asset freezes and the mandate of its Panel of Experts, in a move welcomed by rights groups as crucial for civilian protection but criticized by some council members.
Human rights organization Amnesty International said the renewal is an important step to curb the flow of weapons into the conflict-affected country, warning that continued access to arms fuels serious violations.
“The renewal of the arms embargo, if diligently enforced, is an important measure to protect civilians by curtailing the flow of weapons used to commit serious human rights violations and crimes under international law,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.
Chagutah cautioned that calls by some Security Council members to lift the embargo were “disappointing,” particularly amid escalating violence since early 2025.
He pointed to recent attacks, including a March 2026 assault in Unity State in which armed groups reportedly killed and injured civilians in Abiemnom town.
Amnesty International also warned that weapons continue to be used in widespread sexual violence, which remains a persistent feature of the conflict despite existing peace commitments and action plans.
How the vote happened
On Friday, the 15-member United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2821 with nine votes in favour and six abstentions.
The resolution was drafted by the United States Department of State and renewed the existing sanctions regime without substantive changes. Measures include the arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes.
The mandate of the Panel of Experts, which supports the South Sudan Sanctions Committee, was extended until July 1, 2027.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Somalia abstained, alongside China, Pakistan and Russia.
Under UN rules, resolutions require at least nine votes in favour and no veto from any of the five permanent members — United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France — to pass.
Speaking after the vote, Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the US mission, said Washington welcomed the renewal of the sanctions regime.
“The United States welcomes the renewal of the South Sudan sanctions regime, including the extension of the Panel of Experts’ mandate and the renewal of the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze measures for an additional 12 months,” she said.
Amnesty International has previously documented alleged violations of the embargo, including reports of foreign troop deployments and the continued use of attack helicopters by the South Sudanese military, suggesting ongoing access to restricted weapons and spare parts.
The group also cited earlier findings of illicit arms imports, hidden stockpiles and diversion of armoured vehicles, warning that enforcement gaps continue to undermine the embargo and accountability efforts.