UN Security Council meeting. (South Sudan Government/X).

The United Nations Security Council on Friday renewed sanctions on South Sudan after nine members voted in favor, while six abstained.

The renewed measures include an arms embargo, travel ban, asset freeze, and the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts for another 12 months.

Speaking after the adoption of the resolution, US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta welcomed the decision and blamed South Sudan’s leaders for delays in implementing peace commitments.

“The United States welcomes the renewal of the South Sudan Sanctions regime, including the extension of the Panel of Experts’ mandate and the renewal of the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze measures for an additional 12 months,” Locetta said.

She also supported plans to revise the sanctions benchmarks to reflect current realities in South Sudan.

However, Locetta said the political and security situation in the country continues to deteriorate.

“Let’s be clear. This lack of progress is due to a lack of political will by President Kiir, as well as other South Sudanese leaders,” she said.

The US diplomat called on South Sudanese leaders to resume direct dialogue to ease tensions and end violence.

“It is farcical to suggest that such dialogue is occurring when one of the signatories to the 2018 peace agreement is under house arrest and on trial,” she added.

Locetta urged the transitional government to take steps to restore peace, including declaring a national ceasefire, releasing detainees, rejecting political violence, and using public revenue to support citizens.

“We therefore urge the transitional government to deliver all steps necessary to restore peace, including declaring a national ceasefire; releasing detainees; renouncing the use of violence for political purposes; and starting to use public revenue appropriately to support the citizens of South Sudan,” she said.

The sanctions renewal comes amid ongoing political tensions and concerns over delays in implementing the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.