The UN Security Council has renewed sanctions on six military leaders who have been accused of blocking peace, security and stability.

On the government side, they include Gen Marial Chanuong, Gen Santino Deng Wol and Gen Jok Riak.

From the opposition are Generals Gatwech Dual, Peter Gatdet, and Gathoth Gatkuoth.

The Council resolved that the generals would not be allowed to travel abroad and be denied access to money in foreign bank accounts.

In a resolution last evening, the Council extended the sanctions until May next year.

It also extended until July next, the mandate of the Panel of Experts overseeing the sanctions.

The Council also asked the experts report within 120 days on security threats and arms transfers into South Sudan since the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity on the 29th of April.

It said the South Sudanese leaders have failed to end hostilities and fully implement the peace agreement.

The members called for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to help ensure timely delivery of assistance to all those in need.

Both the SPLA and the SPLM in Opposition forces have criticized the renewal of the sanctions.

“We have criminals who are attacking us in the name of SPLA- IO,” said Brigadier Gen Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA spokesperson.

“Therefore, imposing sanctions or not imposing sanctions will not have any bearing as long we have criminals we are been fighting.”

For its part, the SPLM in Opposition forces say some of those sanctioned are no longer its members.

“Peter Gatdet and general Gathoth are not SPLA IO generals,” William Gatjath, spokesperson, told Eye Radio.

Besides, he argued that SPLM-IO chief of Gen Staff, Simon Gatwec, is innocent. “He didn’t do anything to do with war crime,” Mr Gatjath added.

Meanwhile, a South Sudanese representative at the UN, Joseph Moum Majak has also expressed disappointment with the extension of sanctions, saying it failed to recognize the sovereignty of South Sudan to manage its own affairs.

Mr Moum questioned the motive behind the monitoring of armament of the SPLA, saying the country’s stability depends on its readiness to protect itself against aggression in a region awash with weapons.

However, in resolution 2026, which forms the basis of the targeted sanctions, the Security Council said it was taking the decision in order to support the search for an inclusive and sustainable peace in South Sudan.