Government renews call for lifting of UN sanctions

The government has renewed its call for the United Nations to lift sanctions imposed on South Sudan, including the arms embargo, saying the measures affect efforts to strengthen security institutions ahead of the upcoming elections.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday in New York, Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Cecilia Adut Manyok said peaceful and credible elections require security and strong institutions.

“South Sudan recognizes that conducting peaceful elections requires security and strong institutions,” Adut said.

She said the government has the primary responsibility to protect citizens, maintain public order and safeguard the electoral process.

Adut called for constructive engagement with the United Nations Security Council over the restrictive measures, including the arms embargo.

She said South Sudan’s goal is not militarization, but the development of “professional, unified, disciplined, and accountable security forces” operating under civilian authority and the rule of law.

“We therefore call for the lifting of all restrictive measures,” Adut said.

She said sanctions should be used to achieve clear and defined objectives and should not become permanent substitutes for political engagement and institution building.

“Sanctions must be instruments for achieving clear, defined objectives. They should not become permanent substitutes for political engagements and institution buildings,” she said.