By RFIPalled on 13-07-2018Modified on 13-07-2018 at 19:06

After more than two years of unsuccessful attempts, the UN Security Council finally voted earlier today for an arms embargo on South Sudan and for individual sanctions against two military leaders. 9 countries voted in favor of the text presented by the Americans, six abstained arguing that this embargo could undermine the fragile peace efforts of recent weeks.

With our correspondent in New York , Marie Bourreau

South Sudan is therefore affected by an arms embargo until 31 May 2019. In the meantime, member states have the right to prohibit or destroy any cargo of prohibited weapons.

The adopted text also punishes two individuals belonging to both sides: Malek Reuben Riak, former deputy chief of staff, and Paul Malong Awan, former chief of staff who became one of the leaders of the opposition.

In the previous version, three ministers, including the Minister of Information and Defense, were targeted. By removing them from the list of sanctions, the Security Council seemed to want to spare the South Sudanese government, which has recently shown more positive signals towards a peace process.

This explains the very divided vote of the diplomats. For while member states are aware of the level of unacceptable violence against civilians in the country, they have also recognized the progress of recent weeks.

Ethiopia, which has been very active in the negotiations, has expressed its concern that peace efforts undermined by sanctions that come at a pivotal moment. This division is not going to contribute to the peace process, she said, and gives the impression that the Security Council is standing apart and has not listened to the call of the region through the African Union and IGAD to give South Sudan one last chance.

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