عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

UN Security Council Extends Mandate of Sudan Sanctions for a Year

FILE PHOTO: Members of the United Nations Security Council gather during a meeting about the situation in Venezuela, in New York, US, February 26, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
FILE PHOTO: Members of the United Nations Security Council gather during a meeting about the situation in Venezuela, in New York, US, February 26, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
TT
20
TT

UN Security Council Extends Mandate of Sudan Sanctions for a Year

FILE PHOTO: Members of the United Nations Security Council gather during a meeting about the situation in Venezuela, in New York, US, February 26, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
FILE PHOTO: Members of the United Nations Security Council gather during a meeting about the situation in Venezuela, in New York, US, February 26, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

The Security Council voted on Wednesday to extend for one additional year the mandate of sanctions imposed on Sudan, despite Khartoum’s calls to lift them.

The mandate now runs until March 12, 2024. Sudan has repeatedly demanded that the Security Council lifts the UN arms embargo on the Darfur region imposed following a war that started in 2005.

Last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov vowed to support Sudan’s demands.

However, the 15-nation organ voted on Wednesday in favor of a resolution to extend through 12 March, 2024 the mandate of the Panel of Experts charged with assisting its Sudan sanctions committee and to renew the arms embargo on Darfur.

Thirteen Council members supported the move while two members, Russia and China, abstained.

China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Dai Bing said the sanctions are now outdated and should be lifted to reflect improved circumstances on the ground.

In 2019, a popular movement brought an end to Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year reign during which the country suffered from international isolation and was subjected to strict US sanctions.

Shortly after the overthrow of Bashir, the transitional government of Abdallah Hamdok managed to remove Khartoum from the US States Sponsors of Terrorism list, allowing the release of $2 billion in international aid to the country.

However, in October 2021, the economic crisis worsened after Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan removed civilians from power, causing a decline in international aid to the country.

Most Viewed

 
Arab World

US Houthi Terror Designation Takes Effect, Welcomed by Yemen Govt, Raises UN Concern

The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)
The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)
TT
20
TT

US Houthi Terror Designation Takes Effect, Welcomed by Yemen Govt, Raises UN Concern

The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)
The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)

The US State Department’s designation of Yemen’s Houthi militias as a “foreign terrorist organization” has been welcomed by the legitimate Yemeni government, but has triggered UN concerns over its impact on humanitarian access, with the international body calling for “guarantees.”

While Yemeni reports suggest the designation could economically strangle the Iran-backed Houthis, fears are mounting that the move may push them to derail the fragile truce, resume the war against the government, and escalate attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis.

It renewed its call for the international community to take similar steps to dry up the militias' funding, arms supplies, and to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring stability and peace in Yemen.

In a statement, Yemen’s Foreign Ministry stressed that the country has long suffered from the ravages of war and Iranian interference.

It called the US designation a reinforcement of its partnership with the United States and its allies in the fight against terrorism, hoping it will help curb activities that threaten the security of its citizens, the region, and global maritime trade.

The statement also affirmed Yemen's readiness to cooperate fully with international partners to ensure the effective implementation of the designation, aiming to serve the interests of the Yemeni people and promote peace and security in the region.

Amid concerns over the impact of the US designation on humanitarian efforts in Houthi-controlled areas, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for US guarantees.

During a press briefing, he emphasized that the designation should be accompanied by “appropriate assurances” to ensure effective humanitarian aid delivery and to allow civilians access to essential goods and services.

Dujarric also highlighted the UN’s focus on humanitarian response in Yemen, where nearly 19 million people require life-saving assistance, and 17 million are at risk of famine.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the role of the private sector in securing basic needs.

Dujarric cautioned that any disruption in the flow of commercial goods and humanitarian aid could have catastrophic consequences, particularly in a country that relies on imports for around 90% of its food supply.