S/PV.9928 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of South Sudan to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/331, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United States of America. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 9 votes in favour, none against and 6 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2781 (2025). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

As penholder, the United States thanks Council members for their constructive engagement on resolution 2781 (2025). We welcome the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on South Sudan and the renewal of the arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze measures for an additional 12 months. Escalating violence in recent months has brought South Sudan to the brink of civil war. The people of South Sudan deserve a peaceful political process and an end to the violence. South Sudan’s leaders must de-escalate political tension and violence, avoid civil war, negotiate in good faith and restore peace. We urge the transitional Government to deliver all steps necessary to advance the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and conclude the transitional period. We appreciate the Council’s renewal of the arms embargo, which remains necessary to curb the unfettered flow of weapons into a region that remains awash with guns. Too many innocent lives have been lost due to gun violence and armed conflict. The alarming March 2025 White Army attack against United Nations personnel in Nasir county and the bombing of the Médecins sans frontières hospital on 3 May underscore the need to reduce the presence of weapons in South Sudan and deter illegal weapons flows. The United States is committed to the people of South Sudan and will work closely with the transitional Government, fellow Council members and all stakeholders to facilitate peace, security and prosperity for the country and the region.

The Russian Federation abstained in the voting on resolution 2781 (2025), prepared by the United States of America, on extending the sanctions regime against the Republic of South Sudan for one year. That decision was underpinned by a number of principled considerations. Unfortunately, we did not see any significant changes in the text, compared to last year’s text (resolution 2731 (2024)). The modifications are mostly cosmetic. Moreover, the document has been further encumbered by more assessments of the political situation in the country. In particular, we cannot agree with the direct link established between the arms embargo and internal political processes in the country through the prism of political violence. The issue of easing Security Council sanctions on South Sudan is long overdue. The current restrictions, including the arms embargo, are one of the constraints on the implementation of the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, especially with regard to addressing security issues. In other words, the restrictions are hampering the success of the political process in South Sudan and complicating the deployment and proper equipping of the national armed forces. The pressure tactics chosen by the sponsors with regard to South Sudan are clearly visible in the sanctions resolution, which hardly reflects the real needs of the South Sudanese people. This approach only exacerbates the situation and hinders effective interaction between the international community and the South Sudanese authorities. We call for further engagement with Juba on the basis of full respect for its interests and due consideration of the national, historical, ethnic and cultural characteristics of South Sudan. We are delighted that the African delegations to the Security Council adopted a principled stance that is in line with the African Union’s unwavering and agreed line for the progressive dismantling of Security Council sanctions on the continent. The Russian Federation has consistently supported international steps to stabilize South Sudan, including the mediation initiatives of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. We commend the efforts of the South Sudanese authorities to advance the political process and to implement the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement. We are convinced that the modalities of the Agreement are the sovereign prerogative of Juba. Interference in that process is not only unacceptable, but could actually produce the opposite result. We will continue to support South Sudan in its quest for peace, stability and prosperity. We stand ready to continue to assist in international efforts to achieve that goal.

China abstained in the voting on resolution 2781 (2025), on South Sudan sanctions. I would like to make the following points in that regard. First, since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, the signatories in South Sudan have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to its implementation. The international community should encourage the parties to strengthen dialogue and consultation, Secondly, elections, financing and other related matters are all the internal affairs of South Sudan. The international community should effectively respect the sovereignty and ownership of the country and avoid using sanctions as a political tool for coercion, pressure or even interference in its internal affairs. As the conditions for elections in South Sudan are not yet ripe and the economic situation continues to be tense, the resolution still puts forward unrealistic requirements and standards on issues such as elections preparation, financial administration and resource allocation. That is clearly not constructive. Thirdly, South Sudan was founded less than 14 years ago, while the arms embargo imposed by the Council has been in effect for roughly seven years, which has severely constrained the country’s ability to implement the Revitalized Agreement, enhance the protection of civilians and maintain security and stability. The Government of South Sudan has consistently cooperated with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015), concerning South Sudan, among others, and has made continuous efforts and progress on key benchmarks. This March, the African Union Peace and Security Council issued a communiqué on the situation in South Sudan. Operative paragraph 12 clearly calls for the lifting of the arms embargo imposed on the country. China supports and calls on the Security Council to attach importance to the legitimate concerns of South Sudan and other African countries and adjust or lift the relevant sanctions at an early date. During the consultations for this resolution, the Council’s African members, in the light of the demand of South Sudan and taking into consideration the latest situation and needs, put forward a proposal to allow an exemption for the necessary unified forces, so as to better implement the Revitalized Agreement. It is a reasonable and feasible solution at the current stage. However, the penholder insisted on its national position, disregarded the strong demand from the country concerned, refused to fully discuss the constructive views of the countries of the region and insisted on keeping the sanctions measures. That is disappointing. Earlier this month, when the Council considered the text of resolution 2779 (2025), on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (see S/PV.9913), China raised its concern about the penholder’s many unreasonable practices. This time the penholder continued to delay the consultation process and reduce the limited window of time. It also never formally sought written comments on the text from other Council members and pushed for a vote while there were still clear differences among members. That is obviously not in line with the established practices of the Council. These practices undermine the Council’s unity and cooperation. We urge the penholder to take an objective and impartial approach, listen to the reasonable demand of the country concerned and the countries of the region, work to bridge differences between Council members and effectively shoulder its due responsibilities. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate Greece for successfully completing its work as Council President for this month, and wish Guyana every success as the President for next month.

The United Kingdom welcomes the renewal of the South Sudan sanctions regime, including the arms embargo and the mandate for the Panel of Experts on South Sudan. We are grateful to the United States as This sanctions regime is an important tool in support of peace and stability in South Sudan. We remain deeply concerned about the challenging humanitarian, security and political situation in the country. We have consistently made it clear that a gradual lifting of the arms embargo on South Sudan should follow positive progress on the benchmarks agreed by the Council. The Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2025/54) made it clear that the benchmarks are not being met, and that improvements are not happening at the pace that is necessary to support peace and stability. The United Kingdom will continue to support progress on those benchmarks and wider implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We will work alongside South Sudan, the United Nations, Council members and regional organizations towards a peaceful future for South Sudan.

Pakistan abstained in the voting on resolution 2781 (2025), on renewing the sanctions regime against South Sudan. Sanctions are an important tool in the hands of the Council. They should be used judiciously and responsibly, and not merely as a punitive measure to advance political purposes. Sanctions should be periodically reviewed for their usefulness. If they are proving more harmful than helpful, the Council must review its decision. In the case of South Sudan, it is clear that the arms embargo has hampered the country’s ability to perform the fundamental responsibility of a State, that is, to protect its people and its borders. The arms embargo is a hindrance in equipping the necessary unified forces, which is an important component of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Meanwhile, we saw — in the attacks in Upper Nile on the South Sudanese forces and on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan helicopter  — that the armed groups have acquired advanced weapons, thus exposing the inadequacy of the arms embargo. The African Union, the African members of the Council and the country concerned have clearly opposed the extension of the arms embargo. We believe that the African voices must be given due weight in the decisions of the Council. Lastly, I commend the highly professional and responsive manner in which Greece presided over the Council this month. We extend our heartiest congratulations to you, Mr. President. We now look forward to Guyana’s presidency and wish it every success.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Algeria (A3). The imposition of sanctions is one of the important responsibilities entrusted to the Council under the Charter of the United Nations. Sanctions, when appropriately calibrated and contextually informed, can serve as an important tool in supporting the maintenance of international peace and security. However, it is equally important to recognize that, if not carefully designed and regularly reviewed, sanctions may generate unintended consequences that adversely affect national capacity, impede governance, and hinder post-conflict recovery efforts. The A3 remains concerned about the broader implications of sanctions regimes on the African continent. In the specific context of South Sudan, we respectfully reiterate the need for a thorough and timely review of the current measures, including the arms embargo. Such a review is essential to ensure that the sanctions regime remains responsive to the evolving dynamics on the ground and supports, rather than constrains, nationally led efforts towards peacebuilding, reconciliation and institutional development. It is in that context, and in alignment with the principled position of the African Union (AU), that Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria abstained in the voting concerning resolution 2781 (2025). The African Union has consistently encouraged the Council to ensure that sanctions are not only effective, but also context-sensitive, proportionate and supportive of peace consolidation efforts by Member States. During the negotiations on this resolution, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria engaged constructively and in good faith. However, we regret that the final text did not incorporate a critical proposal that we made regarding the lifting of the arms embargo on the necessary unified forces. In making such a proposal, we were guided by our permanent compass: the African Union. Last February, the AU Summit again called for the lifting of the arms embargo on South Sudan. That call was reiterated on 18 March by the AU Peace and Security Council. We take note of the concerns raised regarding the current developments, and our three countries reaffirm their commitment to sustained engagement with Council members to ensure that these and other outstanding issues are meaningfully addressed in future deliberations. We also urge all parties to the Revitalized Agreement to honour its principles and demonstrate commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan. In conclusion, the A3 remains committed to working with Council members and all stakeholders in support of a coherent and balanced approach to the situation in South Sudan that upholds the principles of the Charter, reinforces national ownership and accompanies the South Sudanese people and authorities in their pursuit of lasting peace and stability. May I add our congratulations to you, Mr. President, for a successful presidency of the Council this month, and we welcome our friends from Guyana to preside over the Council next month.

I now give the floor to the representative of South Sudan.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, I wish to express our gratitude to the Council for its continued engagement with our country and its peace process. We take note of the Council’s decision to renew the sanctions regime (resolution 2781 (2025)), and we reaffirm our commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation with the United Nations and its Member States. We also acknowledge the steadfast support of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the broader international community. We remain grateful that South Sudan continues to be in their thoughts and practical efforts. Their support will continue to support our journey towards peace and stability. We also acknowledge and appreciate the Group of African States and the members of the Council, especially the Governments of China, Russia and Pakistan, for their principled positions, solidarity and consistent engagement during the negotiation process. Their commitment to fairness and their recognition of the importance of nationally driven solutions have not gone unnoticed. While we welcome certain aspects of the resolution, we must express our deep disappointment with the Council’s decision to exclude the key proposal meant to Allow me also to raise a broader and equally urgent point — the lifting of sanctions and the arms embargo is not only a matter of national security or sovereignty, but also a matter of economic opportunity and dignity. The cost of sanctions is being borne not only by the Government, but by ordinary citizens. These measures create barriers to growth, delay development, discourage foreign investment and leave the State vulnerable to non-State actors and outlaws. Just a few days ago, I received a message from a young South Sudanese entrepreneur who expressed his frustration that the continued existence of sanctions discourages foreign investors from engaging with his business. He said, “Thank vou so much for taking the time to respond to me despite your job at the United Nations being so demanding, especially at this crucial time, when the people who claim to have understood our problems more than us, the South Sudanese, are getting ready to decide how we should live our lives. As a concerned person with no political affiliation, I believe that there needs to be a report on the negative effects of the arms embargo on the people of South Sudan. I am just an ordinary citizen trying my best to look after my country by trying so hard to get investors to invest in our country, but it is not easy. I have a family to provide for, no job and no sufficient capital to even supply my small business. My Government’s efforts and ability to support small businesses owners have been crippled by the sanctions, and none of the commercial banks in the country is giving loans to South Sudanese people. Instead, they are giving loans to foreign businesses in our country, claiming that South Sudan is under sanctions and that they do not want to risk dealing with us. What are we going to do in order to develop, instead of just working hard to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner?” His words echo the concerns of millions of young South Sudanese whose aspirations are constrained not by conflict, but by isolation. Sanctions are often presented as a tool of accountability, but they also risk becoming a barrier to opportunities. When young people who represent the future of our country feel that the international community is closing doors instead of opening them, it becomes a significant concern. South Sudan has made progress, but we recognize that there is a lot more to be done, and we will continue to push forward in the path of peace and development. Let it be clear that are not asking for a blank check; we are asking for a fair opportunity and a balanced approach that supports the efforts of those who are working for peace and economic renewal. Let us not forget that sustainable peace cannot exist without livelihoods, without hope and without opportunities. The Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains committed to peace, reforms and cooperation. But we reiterate our call for a more balanced approach that supports national ownership, encourages economic revitalization and recognizes the broader human cost of sanctions. We urge the Council to remain engaged, but also to listen — to listen to the voices of the people, to support home-grown solutions and to ensure that international tools meant to encourage peace do not accidentally delay it.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. Indeed, it has been a very busy month, and one in which we rallied to consensus on several important issues within our purview. We could not have done it alone and without the hard work, support and positive contributions of every delegation and the representatives of the Secretariat, including the technical support team, conference service officers, interpreters, translators, verbatim reporters and security staff. As we end our presidency, I know that I speak on behalf of all Council members in wishing the delegation of Guyana good luck in the month of June.