UN Security Council imposed the first set of sanctions on South Sudan in 2015, freezing assets and banning travels on various senior officials, a move that has since been renewed annually

By Chuol Chanyong

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) has urged the United Nations to lift the arms embargo on South Sudan, citing the urgent need to support the unification of forces and address persistent security challenges as the country inches toward a fragile peace.

The call follows the AU PSC’s meeting held on June 12, during which the continental body reviewed South Sudan’s slow progress in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict (R-ARCSS) and discussed measures to stabilize the world’s youngest nation ahead of its long-anticipated elections.

A Longstanding Sanction

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) first imposed sanctions on South Sudan in 2015, including asset freezes and travel bans targeting senior officials. In 2018, following repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement, the Council escalated its punitive measures by enacting a full arms embargo. The measure has been renewed annually, most recently in May 2025, extending its effect through May 2026.

While the embargo was intended to curtail violence and restrict the flow of weapons into a volatile region, it has inadvertently stalled critical elements of the peace process. It has limited the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) from acquiring the equipment needed to complete the unification and deployment of a national army, which remains one of the cornerstone commitments of the peace agreement.

“The African Union reiterates its call to the United Nations to lift the arms embargo imposed on South Sudan to enable the Transitional Government of National Unity to expedite the unification of forces and more effectively address the security challenges facing the country,” the AU PSC said in a statement.

The Council also appealed to international partners to reconsider other punitive measures, which it said are hampering implementation of key provisions of the agreement, including security sector reforms and transitional justice mechanisms.

Peace Architecture in Focus

The AU PSC applauded the mediation efforts led by the African Union Panel of the Wise and urged sustained engagement with all parties to the peace agreement. It emphasized the need to complete the second phase of force unification, establish a unified command structure, and ensure that the national security forces function under a single, cohesive leadership.

Concern was also raised regarding the recent arrest and dismissal of opposition figures within the Transitional Government. The AU demanded their immediate and unconditional release, warning that ongoing political repression could jeopardize the peace process.

To strengthen accountability and rebuild trust, the Council called for an independent investigation into all violations of the agreement. It also acknowledged the role of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee (C5) in supporting South Sudan’s constitutional and electoral roadmap, noting with appreciation its visit to Juba in January 2025.

Additionally, the AU PSC commended the continued support from regional and international stakeholders, including IGAD, UNMISS, RJMEC, the Troika, and others, and encouraged them to intensify their cooperation with the South Sudanese government and people during this critical transition period.

Beyond Weapons, A Call for Justice and Reconciliation

The AU renewed its appeal to the Transitional Government to collaborate with the African Union Commission and South Sudan’s Human Rights Commission to establish mechanisms for truth, reconciliation, reparations, and redress. These steps, it said, are essential for healing the wounds of conflict and building a durable peace.

The Council further encouraged broader engagement with the Tumaini initiative, urging all political actors to join the dialogue in good faith and with a shared commitment to comprehensive peace.

It also praised the leadership of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for spearheading the joint AU-IGAD solidarity mission to Juba in May 2025, and encouraged further engagement with President Salva Kiir and regional leaders to promote inclusive political participation and the release of political detainees.

An Urgent Call

With the clock ticking toward the December 2026 elections, South Sudan stands at a crossroads. Completing the unification of forces, releasing political prisoners, implementing justice mechanisms, and mobilizing international support are not optional—they are urgent.

If the global community is committed to peace in South Sudan, then it must equip the country with the tools needed to secure it. The arms embargo, though born of concern, now risks prolonging instability rather than preventing it.

The African Union has spoken clearly. This is the moment for bold, coordinated action to preserve peace and protect South Sudan’s future.