Russia Rejects Security Council Proposal on Sudan

Russia rejected a Security Council proposal on Friday to impose an arms embargo on Kordofan, similar to Darfur. The council merely extended the arms embargo on Darfur for an additional year, amid ongoing fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The resolution passed unanimously, keeping the sanctions imposed in 2005 in place until September 12, 2026. These sanctions include an arms embargo and individual sanctions such as asset freezes and travel bans, targeting five individuals linked to the conflict in Darfur.

US Representative to the Council John Kelly said, “The situation in Darfur remains dire, with widespread violence, significant humanitarian challenges, and mass displacement.”

Kelly emphasized that the extension “sends a clear message that the international community is committed to curbing the flow of weapons and holding accountable those responsible for destabilizing the situation.”

Some countries had proposed expanding the embargo to include the neighboring Kordofan region, but Russia, which holds veto power on the Council, strongly opposed this proposal.

In recent months, the UN Security Council has “strongly” condemned attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the city of El Fasher in Darfur and called for an immediate ceasefire between the warring parties in the country.