Kuol Manyang: Arms embargo, sanctions impeding security sector reform

Author: Koang Pal Chang | Published: February 19, 2025

Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, Chairman, National Transitional Committee and Senior Presidential Advisor - Credit: Office of the President - August 31, 2022

The Chairman of the National Transitional Committee, Kuol Manyang, has expressed concerns that the ongoing arms embargo and international sanctions are severely hindering South Sudan’s ability to reform its security sector, forcing the government to graduate unified forces without the necessary arms and equipment.

Speaking at the opening of the Leadership Forum on Completing the Political Transition in Juba, ahead of the start of the new interim period on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Representatives from parties to the peace agreement, stakeholders, and international partners discussed key tasks necessary to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in December 2026.

Election institutions, including the Political Parties Council, the National Election Commission, and the National Constitution Review Commission, presented at the forum, highlighting key challenges and outlining the way forward.

Kuol Manyang, the Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee stated that despite South Sudan’s abundant natural resources, including oil and minerals, the country remains unable to access loans or acquire essential arms due to the international sanctions imposed upon it.

“We can’t expect the international community to be the ones funding our programs for building our army,” Kuol said.

“But what we need, we have resources. We have the oil, we have available minerals. We are not begging anybody to give us, but we can arrange against the natural resources that we have. But we have been sanctioned to the point that we cannot get loans from anybody. I think that is a difficult situation that has been put before us by the international community.”

Kuol noted the embargo has created a unique challenge for the country’s defence capabilities. He stressed that South Sudan, despite having the financial resources, cannot strengthen its security forces or ensure the safety of its citizens because of the restrictions placed upon it.

“The embargo of arms, even though we have money, and the embargo is not lifted. How can we build an army that can protect the people, to make elections peaceful?” Kuol continued.

“Security forces have got to be well-equipped, otherwise anything we do here will not succeed.”

Kuol’s remarks highlight the frustrations of a government striving for peace and stability, but facing significant roadblocks from international sanctions that prevent it from fully equipping its forces and enhancing national security.

The Leadership Forum, which will last three days, is a critical platform for discussions surrounding South Sudan’s transition, particularly security sector reform, advancing the constitution-making process, and preparations for the upcoming elections.

The forum is being attended by parties to the peace agreement and various electoral bodies, such as the Political Parties Council, National Constitution Review Commission, and National Elections Commission.

The event is organized jointly by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, International IDEA, African Union, IGAD, RJMEC, and CTSAMVM.

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