UN Security Council Extends Sudan Arms Embargo on Darfur for One Month

UN Security Council Extends Sudan Arms Embargo on Darfur for One Month
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The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a one-month extension of the existing arms embargo on Sudan’s Darfur region, while members continue negotiations over a US proposal to expand the restrictions nationwide.

All 15 council members voted in favor of maintaining the current sanctions regime, allowing additional time for discussions on possible changes amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The United States has called for expanding the arms embargo to cover the entire country, arguing that the current measures are outdated and insufficient to address the realities of the war that began in April 2023. Washington also proposed expanding sanctions against individuals accused of abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence, kidnappings and attacks on humanitarian workers.

Russia opposed any expansion of the embargo, saying it would not allow broader restrictions on Sudan and arguing that government forces currently have the advantage on the battlefield. Sudan’s ambassador to the UN also rejected a nationwide arms embargo, saying it would conflict with the country’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter.

The existing arms embargo was imposed on Darfur after the conflict that began in 2003, when rebels fought against the government of former President Omar al-Bashir. That conflict caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.