South Sudan Emblem

Juba – South Sudan – The Government has strongly criticized the renewal of United Nations sanctions and the arms embargo on South Sudan, saying the measures are weakening state institutions and hindering efforts to implement critical security reforms.

Speaking to journalists in Juba yesterday, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Agok Anyar, said the continuation of sanctions and the arms embargo would be “counterproductive” to the country’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.

According to him, the sanctions regime has failed to achieve its intended objectives and has instead constrained the country’s ability to build professional and accountable security institutions.

“The Government holds a clear and principled position: renewed sanctions and continuation of the arms embargo would be counterproductive. These measures do not weaken armed opposition; they only weaken the state.” Agok warned

Juba argued that the restrictions have limited the ability of national security institutions to develop the capacity needed to protect civilians, implement security arrangements under the peace agreement, and address emerging transnational security threats.

“They constrain South Sudan’s legitimate national security institutions from developing the professional capacity required to protect civilians, implement Peace Agreement, security arrangements, and counter transnational threats.” Ambassador Anyar stressed.

The Government further said security sector reform, a key provision of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, cannot be effectively achieved while institutions remain under restrictions.

Ambassador Anyar said sustainable peace can only be achieved by strengthening accountable state institutions rather than limiting their operational capacity.

The Government also called on the United States and other international partners to adopt a constructive approach based on engagement, technical support, and capacity building instead of punitive measures.

The Foreign Ministry also reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing the peace agreement, advancing democratic transition, and strengthening accountability mechanisms.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday renewed sanctions on South Sudan, including an arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes, for another year, citing concerns over delays in the implementation of the peace process and ongoing security challenges.

Despite its objections to the sanctions, the Government of South Sudan said it remains open to direct diplomatic engagement with the United States and other international partners as it works to complete the country’s political transition.