The United Nations supports expanding the Sudan arms embargo across the country.
Currently, the UN embargo mainly covers Darfur.
However, the United States wants the measures to cover all of Sudan. The proposal would also restrict drones and related military technology.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric backed wider restrictions.
“The Sudanese people don’t need more bombs. The Sudanese people don’t need more drones. The Sudanese people need peace,” Dujarric told The National.
However, the UN Security Council has not adopted the proposal.
Sudan arms embargo could expand beyond Darfur
The current embargo does not cover all of Sudan.
Therefore, the US proposal would significantly expand its reach.
Dujarric said weapons continue to enter Sudan through several countries. According to him, some countries also serve as transit routes.
As a result, he called for an end to weapons and military drone supplies.
However, Security Council members disagree over the plan.
Russia opposes expanding the embargo beyond Darfur. In contrast, the United States and several other countries support wider restrictions.
Security Council extends Sudan sanctions
Meanwhile, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2828 on September 11.
The resolution renewed existing Sudan sanctions until October 9.
In addition, it extended the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan until November 9.
Talks over a wider Sudan arms embargo are continuing.
UN could investigate chemical weapons claims
Dujarric also addressed chemical weapons allegations.
The United States has accused Sudan’s regular armed forces of using chemical weapons during the war.
Washington also imposed sanctions over the allegations.
However, Sudanese military authorities have rejected accusations that prohibited weapons were used.
Dujarric said the UN could investigate the allegations if it receives a formal mandate.
Furthermore, he said the UN opposes chemical weapons use by any party. He called for such allegations to be investigated through appropriate international mechanisms.
For now, the proposed nationwide Sudan arms embargo remains under discussion.