UN considers further sanctions including arms embargo against South Sudan

The United Nations Security Council has voted to renew sanctions against officials in South Sudan, leaving the way open for further measures to be imposed, including a possible arms embargo.

Resolution 2418 (2018) renews sanctions imposed in Resolution 2206 of 3 March 2015 until 15 July. South Sudan has experienced a bloody civil war since 2013, characterised by ongoing violence by both government and armed opposition, despite a peace agreement brokered in December 2017. Millions of people have been displaced and an estimated 300,000 killed.

If by 30 June the Secretary General reports that no progress has been made by the parties signed up to the peace agreement towards a cessation of hostilities, or there is a lack of a ‘viable political agreement’, then the Council will consider targeted sanctions on six individuals, including travel bans and asset freezes and/or an arms embargo. Those named are officials considered to have exacerbated the conflict and blocked humanitarian access: Koang Rambang Chol, Kuol Manyang Juuk, Malek Reuben Riak Rengu, Martin Elia Lomuro, Michael Makuei Lueth and Paul Malong Awan.

Washington introduced an export policy of denial – with limited exceptions – for the export of defence goods and services to South Sudan in April, at the same time pushing for other countries to follow its lead by imposing arms restrictions. The EU has also imposed unilateral sanctions on three individuals in response to the escalating crisis, the first time it has done so in addition to United Nations’ sanctions.

For the UN Security Council press release please see:
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13361.doc.htm