Sudan: US proposes expanding UN arms embargo

On Monday, the United States proposed broadening an existing UN arms embargo for Darfur to encompass the entire Sudan. US Envoy Massad Boulos made the proposal at a UN Security Council meeting in New York. Boulos criticized the Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their brutal tactics, stating that external military and financial support fuels the conflict.

The US aims to expand the embargo geographically and in terms of technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The current embargo, in place for two decades, expires on September 12, 2026. An expansion would require a Security Council vote. Sudan's UN representative urged members to approve a technical extension while cautioning against changes that could harm civilians.

Russia, with veto power in the Security Council, expressed concerns over any changes to the existing sanctions. Before presenting the US stance, UN Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary Di Carlo highlighted the increasing complexity of the conflict, noting the sophisticated weaponry and external support to both sides.

The UN's humanitarian chief also observed the heavy use of drones and localized ground combat in areas less affected by the rainy season. The four-year war in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Sudan's army controls central and eastern regions, while the RSF governs the western and southern Darfur areas. The conflict has seen numerous attacks on displacement camps and ethnic massacres.