UN Chief recommends arms embargo on South Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, fearing a “trajectory towards mass atrocities” if it fails.

“The Security Council must take steps to stem the flow of arms to South Sudan, as well as send a clear warning that hate speech, incitement and violence must end, and that there will be accountability for mass atrocities and other crimes,” UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon said.

Ban insists that the arms embargo should be effective as soon as possible.

“If we fail to act, South Sudan will be on a trajectory towards mass atrocities. Its people will be the target of those atrocities while they pin their hopes on the international community in general and the Security Council.” he said.

The United States has been struggling to secure the minimum number of votes needed for the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan. A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes before it can be adopted.

U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in South Sudan since 2011. There are some 13,000 U.N. troops and police on the ground.