Ankara: The UN Security Council: renewed sanctions Friday on South Sudan for another year, extending an arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes.

According to Anadolu Agency, the 15-member Council adopted Resolution 2821 by a 9 - 6 vote, with six abstentions and no votes against. China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Pakistan, Russia, and Somalia abstained from voting. The resolution extends the sanctions regime until May 31, 2027, and also renews the mandate of an expert panel assisting the South Sudan Sanctions Committee until July 1, 2027.

The US, which drafted the resolution, argued that the measures remain essential due to the ongoing political and security conditions in South Sudan. It highlighted the limited progress in implementing the 2018 peace agreement. US deputy envoy Jennifer Locetta expressed concerns over "the lack of progress on the benchmarks and the continuing deterioration of the political and security situation."

A report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the period between 2025 and 2026 was the most challenging since the 2018 peace agreement, with stagnation and setbacks in key reform areas. The resolution calls for a new UN assessment by April 2027 on progress toward benchmarks, including security-sector reform, the formation of unified forces, disarmament efforts, and arms management.

Several countries that abstained raised questions about the effectiveness of the sanctions. Russia argued that the measures were hindering the implementation of the peace agreement and limiting South Sudan's ability to prepare for planned elections. Meanwhile, China noted that the arms embargo had constrained the government's capacity to protect civilians and maintain stability. African members of the Council also urged a review of the restrictions.

South Sudan's representative criticized the decision, stating that the arms embargo restricts the government's ability to protect civilians, secure borders, and respond to threats from armed groups. The representative urged the Council to consider calls from the African Union and regional organizations to lift the sanctions regime.