South Sudan's government has renewed its appeal to the United Nations to lift sanctions imposed on the country, including an arms embargo. Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Cecilia Adut Manyok, made the call at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. She emphasized that the measures hinder efforts to strengthen security institutions ahead of the upcoming elections.
Adut Manyok stated that peaceful and credible elections require a secure environment and robust institutions. She stressed that the government bears the primary responsibility for protecting citizens, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the electoral process. According to her, South Sudan's goal is not to militarize but to develop professional, unified, disciplined, and accountable security forces operating under civilian authority and the rule of law.
The ambassador urged the UN Security Council for constructive engagement regarding the restrictive measures. She argued that sanctions should be used to achieve specific objectives and should not become permanent substitutes for political engagement and institution building. Adut Manyok's comments reflect the government's efforts to address the challenges posed by the sanctions.
The UN sanctions on South Sudan, including the arms embargo, were imposed to encourage the government to make progress on peace and stability. However, the government has been seeking a lifting of these measures, citing their impact on the country's security and stability. Adut Manyok's speech at the UN General Assembly highlights the government's continued efforts to engage with the international community on this issue.
Ahead of the elections, South Sudan faces several challenges, including security concerns and the need for institutional reforms. The government's call for the lifting of sanctions is part of its broader efforts to address these challenges and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The international community has been closely watching the developments in South Sudan, with many stakeholders emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region.
The African Union and other regional stakeholders have been engaged in efforts to support South Sudan's peace process and electoral preparations. The AU C5 meeting, scheduled to take place on September 29, 2026, will discuss South Sudan's peace process and elections. The meeting reflects the ongoing regional and international engagement on the situation in South Sudan.
The outcome of the UN's consideration of South Sudan's request for the lifting of sanctions remains to be seen. The government's continued engagement with the international community on this issue underscores its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the sanctions and ensuring a peaceful and stable transition ahead of the elections.
Key points
- South Sudan's government seeks the lifting of UN sanctions to strengthen security institutions ahead of elections.
- The sanctions, including an arms embargo, were imposed to encourage progress on peace and stability.
- The government aims to develop professional, unified, and accountable security forces operating under civilian authority and the rule of law.
