The UN Security Council has extended the arms embargo on South Sudan for another year until May 31, 2027. Additionally, targeted sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes against specific individuals and entities have been renewed. The resolution, known as Resolution 2821, was passed with nine votes in favor and six abstentions.
The mandate of the Panel of Experts, which supports the South Sudan Sanctions Committee, has also been prolonged until July 1, 2027. Notably, countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and Somalia, along with China, Pakistan, and Russia, abstained from voting on the resolution. To pass, a Security Council resolution requires at least nine affirmative votes and no veto from any of the five permanent members.
The resolution, drafted by the United States, mainly focuses on maintaining existing measures without significant changes from the previous year. It emphasizes the Council’s willingness to review the arms embargo based on progress made on key benchmarks outlined in a previous resolution. The South Sudan authorities are urged to make further advancements in this regard.
The resolution calls for an assessment of progress on the key benchmarks by April 15, 2027, in consultation with the UN Mission in South Sudan and the Panel of Experts. It also demands that South Sudanese authorities report their progress to the Sanctions Committee by the same date. The Council commits to continuously reviewing the targeted measures and stands ready to adjust them as needed to address the situation.
