FVP Dr. Riek Machar speaks at Conference on Transitional Justice System in Juba. May 15, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

The First Vice President says the arms embargo imposed on South Sudan will be meaningless if the unity government implement the security arrangements as stipulated in the 2018 agreement.

Dr. Riak Machar’s statement at the National Economic Conference yesterday came four months after UN Security extended for one year the sanctions regime imposed on the country.

The Council decided to renew until 31 May 2024 and directed all Member States to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms to the territory of South Sudan.

Meanwhile, China, Gabon, Ghana, Mozambique and the Russian Federation abstained from the voting.

Meanwhile, Dr.Machar says the continuation of the UN Security Council’s sanctions depends on South Sudan its self.

He says there would no reason for the council to continue thinking on imposing the sanctions if security arrangements were implemented by the government.

“ This security council, if we manage seriously, the arms embargo will be useless, so its depending on us.

If we change to ensure we deploy [the necessary unified forces, there will be no reason to continue thinking to impose arms embargo on South Sudan.”

The resolution number 2-6-8-3, include assets freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo, a decision a government representative objected.

Ten countries voted in favor of the resolution.

They are Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

Meanwhile, China, Gabon, Ghana, Mozambique and the Russian Federation abstained from the voting.