UN Peacekeeping Chief Urges Arms Embargo and Sanctions on South Sudan

As South Sudan marks its fourth anniversary of independence, United Nations peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous has expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis, citing widespread human rights abuses and a lack of political solution. During a closed-door briefing to the 15-member Security Council, Ladsous urged the imposition of an arms embargo on South Sudan and the blacklisting of more rival leaders. He also expressed skepticism over the country's ability to manage its resources effectively, urging the council to consider more sanctions.

Key Takeaways:

• The United Nations has accused government forces of sexually abusing women and girls and burning some alive, describing the situation as "absolutely appalling."
• Ladsous has called for a possibility of more sanctions against more leaders, citing the lack of implementation of previous ceasefire agreements and the failure to provide for the welfare of the population.
• The Security Council last week blacklisted six rival generals in South Sudan, imposing a global asset freeze and travel ban on them.
• Diplomats have reported opposition from the United States, Russia, and China to an arms embargo, while European and other council members were in favor of imposing it.
• The conflict in South Sudan has resulted in thousands of killings and millions of displaced people, with ethnic fault lines reopened between President Salva Kiir's Dinka people and Riek Machar's ethnic Nuer forces.
• Ladsous has slammed Kiir for hindering efforts to protect civilians by blocking UN attack helicopters and surveillance drones and declaring that UN personnel caught taking photos will be deemed spies.
• There have been seven ceasefire agreements signed, none of which have been implemented.

Statistics:

• 4 years since South Sudan's independence from Sudan
• Thousands killed in the conflict
• Millions displaced
• 7 ceasefire agreements signed, none implemented
• 6 rival generals blacklisted by the Security Council
• UN peacekeeping chief Ladsous accuses government forces of sex crimes and burning people alive
• UN attack helicopters and surveillance drones blocked by Kiir's government

Sources:

• "UN presses South Sudan on arms embargo and leader sanctions", Reuters (2020)
• "UN peacekeeping chief urges Arms Embargo on South Sudan", Al Jazeera (2020)
• "South Sudan marks independence day amid conflict", BBC News (2020)