UN Renews South Sudan Arms Embargo Amid Rights Concerns

​ Updated May⁣ 31, 2025
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the United ⁢Nations Security‌ Council⁢ has ⁤extended the ‌arms embargo on South Sudan for another year. Amnesty International is urging strict enforcement of the embargo to address the dire human⁣ rights situation. The arms⁣ embargo aims to limit ⁣the flow of weapons used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, welcomed the renewal. ‍He also expressed concern that​ some Security Council members and⁤ the African union Peace and Security ‍Council⁢ had called for lifting ‌the embargo. Chagutah warned that putting more weapons in the hands of warring parties would endanger civilians.

Amnesty International reported ⁢earlier this month that Uganda violated the‌ South Sudan arms embargo by deploying ‍soldiers and military equipment to ⁣South Sudan in⁣ March without ⁤notifying the UN Security council Sanctions Committee. The association also documented⁢ the continued use of attack helicopters by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, suggesting ongoing violations ⁢related to the supply of spare parts.

We ‌welcome the renewal of the arms embargo as it has been crucial to curtailing the flow of weapons that have been used to violate international humanitarian law (IHL) and call on the Security Council ‍and urge UN members to diligently enforce it, especially amid recent violations.

Tigere Chagutah,Amnesty‌ International’s‍ Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

In ⁢2020,Amnesty International documented evidence⁤ of newly imported small arms and ammunition,illicit concealment of weapons,and ‌diversion of armored vehicles. These incidents highlighted the failure of parties to the 2018 peace agreement, including the South Sudanese government, to adhere to the⁣ UN embargo ⁢and protect human rights. The human rights⁤ situation ⁣ remains precarious, with government forces, armed opposition groups, and armed youth continuing ⁢to commit violations.

What’s next

Amnesty ‍International⁣ continues to ​call for diligent enforcement of the arms ​embargo and accountability ‍for human rights violations in South Sudan.