The U.N. Security Council unanimously extended sanctions on Sudan for another year on Friday, but the vote revealed deep divisions among members over how to address the country’s escalating conflict.
The resolution renews an arms embargo and targeted sanctions on individuals. It also extends the mandate of a U.N. Panel of Experts that monitors the measures until October 2026.
During the session, the United States and European allies pushed to include stronger language condemning widespread human rights abuses and the flow of arms into the war-torn country.
“This sanctions regime needs to be effective,” Britain’s representative told the council, arguing it should be updated to tackle “the growing use of mercenaries and drones.”
Russia and China, however, argued for a simple technical renewal, warning against using sanctions as a tool for political pressure. Russia’s envoy said that human rights violations were a consequence, not a cause, of the conflict.
In a direct address to the council, Sudan’s representative accused the United Arab Emirates of fuelling the war by financing private security firms to transport mercenaries into the country.
He said 248 flights had been used to bring in fighters, particularly from Colombia, and alleged that some had used banned white phosphorus munitions in 2024.
Sierra Leone’s envoy, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia, said the conflict continues to be “fuelled primarily by military support and foreign interference from external actors.”
(Sudan Tribune)
