By Awan Achiek, Juba-South Sudan
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution on Friday extending until May next year an arms embargo on South Sudan, travel bans, and financial sanctions for targeted individuals.
The Security Council’s resolution 2577 received 13 votes in favor on Friday with India and Kenya abstention.
“The Council decided to renew until 31 May 2022 the arms embargo imposed by the Council which prohibited the supply, sale, or transfer of weapons, as well as the provision of technical assistance, training, and another military assistance to the territory of South Sudan,” read part of the resolution of the council.
The Council expressed its readiness to review the embargo measures in light of progress achieved on the implementation of security sector reform.
“They include the country’s strategic defense and review, formation of unified command structure and redeployment of the necessary unified forces,” it said.
The Council requested the government to report on progress achieved on the implementation of security mechanism to pave ways for the lifting of arm embargo.
“The members underscored their willingness to impose targeted sanctions in support of an inclusive and sustainable peace in South Sudan, noting the sanctions committee can consider a request for delisting of individuals and entities,” it said.