UN Imposes Arms Embargo on South Sudan

The Associated Press published on 13 July 2018 an article titled "UN Council Narrowly Approves Arms Embargo on South Sudan" by Edith M. Lederer.

The UN Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan over objections that it could hurt African efforts to end the five-year old conflict. The resolution received the minimum nine yes votes; six other members abstained. The resolution ordered all countries to prevent immediately the direct or indirect supply or sale of weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and spare parts to South Sudan until 31 May 2019. The resolution also imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on two senior South Sudanese officials.

The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) opposed the embargo, asking for more time to resolve the conflict. Ethiopia, arguing against the embargo, said the High-Level Revitalization Forum organized by IGAD to restore peace has made notable progress.