JUBA – South Sudan has lauded China, Russia, India, Gabon, and Kenya for abstaining from voting against the U.S draft resolution on renewing the arms embargo and sanctions on Africa’s youngest nation.

On 26 May, UN Security Council adopted a resolution to renew for a year, till May 31, 2023, an arms embargo against South Sudan as well as targeted sanctions of the travel ban and asset freeze against individuals and entities.

It was renewed by a narrow margin that saw the approval of 10 out of 15 council members with China, Russia, India, Gabon, and Kenya abstaining from voting on the US-drafted resolution

The UN Security Council renewed the arms embargo despite South Sudan repeatedly calling for the arms embargo to be lifted.

Speaking to reporters after regular cabinet meeting in Juba on Friday, Michael Makuei Lueth, Information Minister, appreciated five countries for expressing opposition to the arms embargo.

“We really appreciated the position of China, Russia, India, Gabon, and Kenya for standing with the government and people of South Sudan against unfair resolutions,” Makuei said.

Makuei described the renewal of arms embargo on South Sudan as “unfair resolutions”.

“We appreciate their stand and call upon members of the UN Security Council not to listen to individuals’ reports that are presented without substrate,” Makuei said. - Sudans Post