UN Security Council Extends Arms Embargo on Darfur

New York — The United Nations Security Council has extended the arms embargo in the Darfur region of western Sudan, but a U.S. effort to expand the sanctions nationwide has failed after Russia and China opposed the proposal.

The 15-member Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2830, which temporarily extends the sanctions regime until December 11, to allow more time for discussions on the future of the sanctions.

Additionally, the Council has extended the mandate of the panel of experts monitoring the implementation of the sanctions until January 11, 2027. The United Nations described this step as a technical interim extension, after sanctions were previously extended for one month in September.

The Darfur embargo was first imposed in 2005, based on Resolution 1591. It includes an arms embargo on armed groups in the region, a travel ban, and asset freezes on individuals and entities added to the sanctions list.

The United States has failed to gain sufficient support from the Security Council to expand the arms embargo to cover all of Sudan after weeks of negotiations. Russia and China opposed this plan, insisting that the existing sanctions regime, which specifically focuses on Darfur, should continue.

This dispute highlights the differing perspectives among the major powers in the Security Council, as the conflict in Sudan enters its fourth year, while concerns grow over the impact of the violence on civilians.

The conflict between the armed forces of Sudan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023, causing widespread death and destruction.

According to report data, at least 59,000 people have died in the conflict, although aid agencies warn that the actual number may be higher. The war has also displaced approximately 13 million people, with parts of the country facing severe famine and humanitarian conditions.