The UN Security Council voted Thursday unanimously to extend an arms embargo on Sudan’s Darfur region until December 11, after opposition from Russia, China, and other members prevented agreement on a US proposal to expand restrictions nationwide in an effort to curb the country’s civil war.
For more stories from The Media Line go to themedialine.org
The 15-member council adopted Resolution 2830, preserving existing sanctions while allowing further negotiations. It also extended the mandate of the UN panel monitoring the sanctions until January 11, 2027.
Washington wants the embargo extended to all of Sudan, covering both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which have been fighting since April 2023.
The American proposal would also strengthen restrictions on drones, military equipment, and networks supplying weapons to the warring parties.
More restrictions could undermine Sudan's Sovereignty
Russia and China oppose broadening the measures, arguing that additional restrictions could undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and worsen instability. Several other council members, including African representatives, have also resisted expanding the embargo beyond Darfur.
Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, said Washington accepted the temporary extension to give diplomatic negotiations more time.
“This extension is not a lapse in our resolve,” Boulos said, reaffirming US support for stronger restrictions.
“External military support to the warring parties must end,” he added.
Sudan’s army-led government opposes expanding the embargo, arguing that restrictions would interfere with its ability to defend the country.
The existing sanctions date to 2005, when the Security Council imposed measures targeting armed groups operating in Darfur. The framework also includes travel bans and asset freezes against designated individuals.
Sudan’s war has displaced approximately 13 million people, caused widespread hunger, and devastated essential services. Fighting continues despite international efforts to negotiate a humanitarian ceasefire.
The council’s next deadline is December 11, when members must decide whether to extend the existing restrictions again or reach agreement on broader sanctions.