The UN Security Council has extended its arms embargo and sanctions regime on South Sudan for another year, adopting Resolution 2731 on May 30 by a vote of 9 in favor and 6 abstentions, amid intensifying violence and deepening international division over the embargo’s effectiveness and fairness.

The extended sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and the continuation of the arms embargo first imposed in 2018. The U.S., which led the resolution, said these measures are crucial to preventing the flow of weapons in a country already flooded with arms.

U.S. representatives highlighted the February 2025 explosion of an ammunition depot in Juba as evidence that South Sudan lacks proper arms control infrastructure. “Too many people — especially women and children — have borne the brunt of this ongoing violence,” the U.S. delegate said.

Opposition from African and Global South Members

China, Russia, and the three African Council members—Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique—abstained, criticizing the embargo as outdated and counterproductive. Algeria, speaking on behalf of several African nations, said the embargo “hinders the transitional government from creating the necessary capacity to fully carry out outstanding tasks.”

Russia’s delegate accused the U.S. of using sanctions to pressure African states politically, calling the sanctions regime “burdensome” and unresponsive to South Sudan’s reported progress in stabilizing the country.

Juba Demands Recognition and Support

South Sudan’s representative defended the country’s record, pointing to the formation of a unified armed command and progress toward implementing the peace agreement.

“The continued imposition of sanctions hinders the country’s efforts to build robust security institutions,” she said, calling for the embargo to be lifted.