Juba, South Sudan, May 31, 2021 – The recent extension of the arms embargo on South Sudan by the United Nations Security Council has crippled South Sudan and left the country incapable of self-defense from potential external forces according to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.
“By extending the arms embargo, graduation of the national unified forces will deeply be affected and will eventually weaken South Sudan to ascertain herself socially, economically, politically and in any unprecedented aggression externally or internally,” he added.
Ambassador Thomas Kenneth, acting Spokesperson at the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation told the media that the arms embargo will also affect the peace implementation process, especially the security arrangements.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Kenneth said “these punitive measures imposed by UNSC will not add anything rather than returning peace implementation process to square one.”
Last week, the UN Security Council voted to extend the sanction against the South Sudan regime for a year despite abstinence from two countries like India and Kenya which did not vote for the extension which will remain until 31st of May next year.
The measure renews the arms embargo along with assets freeze and global travel ban imposed on eight South Sudanese nationals for their role in fueling the conflict.
However, some voices raised concerns fearing that the restrictions will delay the graduation of the unified forces that are in need of weapons since the government will not able to buy guns.
Amb. Kenneth stressed that the move by the UNSC undermines the sovereignty of the country and it will expose the world’s youngest country to international and external aggression.
Amb. Kenneth added that if the international community wishes well for the country, it is about time they reconsider their position.
The United Nations Security Council renewed an arms embargo against South Sudan after accusing senior political officials of supplying arms used by communities to carry out subnational violence.
