Description: The UN Security Council in a narrow vote approved the continuation of an arms embargo, prohibiting weapons exports to the country citing concerns over a potential civil war. Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice – President Riek Machar escalated over the past couple of months which led to small scale confrontations between the White Army Militia loyal to Machar and government forces loyal to Kiir. Several African nations and local South Sudanese representatives deescalated the tensions but concerns over reigniting of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars persist. The initiative was pushed by the US which also issued travel bans and sanctions against the country and was opposed by Russian deputy UN Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva, who stated that the decision blocks the country’s progress and violates terms of the peace agreement from 2018.
Impact: South Sudan still remains in a revolving unresolved political crisis which could rapidly implode towards a violent civil war. The UN resolution further puts pressure on the current government to push for a resolution in recently ignited hostilities and political animosities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, travel bans and the arms embargo. The country’s oil driven economy has been beleaguered by suffocating sanctions under the rule of President Salva Kiir who has continuously been challenged by arrested Vice – President Riek Machar. The situation in the country also emphasizes the power play displays in the central African region where Russian – sponsored private military groups exercise influence through cooperation with local military forces. The US is attempting to counter Russia’s influence and ground operations in Africa by putting pressure on the sitting government and isolating South Sudan which could further elevate the risk of armed confrontation between fractions loyal to the President and Vice – President of the country.