UN extends Darfur arms embargo as US push for nationwide ban stalls
The Security Council unanimously extended the arms embargo on Sudan’s Darfur region until 11 December, while failing to agree on a US proposal to cover the whole country. Al Jazeera reports that Russia and China opposed broadening the restrictions; Washington says a nationwide ban would target networks supplying weapons to both sides of the civil war.
Bottom line — The Darfur embargo now runs until 11 December, while negotiations over Washington’s nationwide proposal continue.
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Al Jazeera says the Council also extended the mandate of the panel monitoring the measures until 11 January 2027.
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The National reports that the US accepted the short extension to allow more time for diplomatic efforts towards a negotiated settlement, humanitarian truce and ceasefire.
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According to The National, the Darfur embargo lets UN experts investigate arms shipments and identify those responsible for breaches, despite failing to stop weapons reaching the region.
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Al Jazeera says Sudan’s UN ambassador argued that a nationwide embargo would violate the UN Charter’s guarantee of the right to self-defence.
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Al Jazeera reports that the war has killed at least 59,000 people and displaced about 13 million; aid groups warn the death toll could be higher.