“Arms Embargo and targeted sanctions have not been effective tools in support of South Sudan Peace”, Kenya writes to UN Security Council

Kenyan government has written to the UN Security Council in New York calling for a “flexible approach” to the issue of arms Embargo on the Republic of South Sudan.

The East African nation said that arms Embargo and targeted sanctions on individuals have not been effective tools in support of South Sudan Peace process.

Kenya voted for “abstain” during the voting process required at seeking the opinion of the Security Council. It has called for a flexible strategy aimed at lifting of the arms Embargo on the world’s youngest nation.

“It’s Kenya’s believe that the arms embargo and targeted sanctions have not been effective tools in support of South Sudan process. Indeed, they have in certain cases been counterproductive. In this regard, IGAD and the African Union have repeatedly called for the lifting of the sanctions on South Sudan “, read the statement.

“During the negotiations for the renewal of the South Sudan sanctions resolution, we reiterated the position of the African Union,  insisting that any edits of the draft should be aimed at their eventual lifting. Kenya highly appreciates the patience, flexibility and the accommodation demonstrated by the penholder and all members”, statement added.

Kenya clearly defined their position regarding the Peace process in South Sudan, reiterating their full support to the young Republic since the 2005 CPA era.

It pledged to redouble its efforts towards both the African Union and other International actors in bringing long and lasting peace in the young Republic.

South Sudan has been under arms embargo from the UN Security Council since the outbreak of 2016 war between President Kiir and his arch rival leader and Vice President Riek Machar Teny.

This week during the renewal of the Sanctions, the government decried the decision, saying that the decision puts them in a “weaker position” as they can no longer arm the national army and be in position to protect itself against aggrressors.

Under the current arms embargo, South Sudan can no longer purchase bullets, guns, Military attire from the rest of the world until next year same time.