Disagreements within the UN Security Council have delayed a decision on a US proposal to expand the arms embargo imposed on Darfur to cover all of Sudan and all parties to the conflict. The Council instead agreed to extend the existing sanctions regime for just one month, in a “technical” move that allows more time for negotiations over proposed amendments that have divided members.
The Council adopted Resolution 2828, drafted by the United States, extending the sanctions until October 9. The decision followed lengthy and difficult negotiations focused on US proposals to expand the scope of the arms embargo, bring drones, their components and related technologies under its restrictions, and strengthen measures aimed at halting the flow of weapons and external military support to the parties to the war.
The negotiations revealed clear divisions within the Council. While Western countries supported expanding the sanctions’ scope in light of the war’s spread from Darfur to Kordofan and Blue Nile and the increased use of drones, Russia, China, Pakistan and several African countries opposed extending the embargo beyond Darfur, favoring the continuation of the sanctions regime in its current form.
The decision came after weeks of negotiations described as lengthy and difficult over an earlier draft aimed at expanding the arms embargo. However, differing views among Council members over the effectiveness of the current sanctions regime, as well as the extent and manner in which it should be amended, reflect the evolving realities on the ground.
