The UN Security Council has renewed sanctions on South Sudan, extending an arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes.
The 15-member Council adopted Resolution 2821 by a vote of nine in favour, with six abstentions and no votes against.
The measure extends the sanctions regime until 31 May 2027 and renews the mandate of the expert panel until 1 July 2027.
The United States, which drafted the resolution, said the restrictions remain necessary due to ongoing political and security challenges in South Sudan.
US deputy envoy Jennifer Locetta said the lack of progress and the worsening security and political situation remain deeply concerning.
A report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the period between 2025 and 2026 has been the most difficult since the 2018 peace agreement.
The resolution also requests a new UN assessment by April 2027, focusing on benchmarks such as security sector reform and the formation of unified forces.
Several countries that abstained questioned the effectiveness of the sanctions. Russia and China argued that the arms embargo could hinder stability and peace efforts.
South Sudan’s representative criticised the decision, saying the embargo limits the government’s ability to protect civilians, secure borders and respond to threats.
He urged the Council to take into account calls from the African Union and regional organisations to lift the sanctions regime without delay.
