Sat May 31 01:23:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The UN Security Council narrowly voted to extend the arms embargo on South Sudan for another year amidst escalating political tensions and warnings of a potential return to civil war. The vote was contentious, with the US advocating for the extension to curb the flow of weapons and Russia arguing for its removal to allow the government to equip its forces effectively. South Sudan itself expressed disappointment, claiming the embargo hinders economic growth and national security.
**News Article:**
**South Sudan Arms Embargo Extended Amidst Renewed Civil War Fears**
**UNITED NATIONS, May 31, 2025** – The UN Security Council voted narrowly on Friday to extend the arms embargo on South Sudan for another year, a move met with both support and strong opposition. The resolution, sponsored by the United States, passed with the minimum required nine votes, while Russia, China, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Pakistan abstained.
The extension of the embargo comes as the UN warns of escalating political tensions and a growing risk of civil war in the world’s newest nation. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but descended into conflict in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and then-Vice President Riek Machar. While a 2018 peace deal brought Machar back into government, its implementation has been slow and fragile.
Recent warnings from UN envoy Nicholas Haysom highlight the rising tensions between Kiir and Machar, including direct military confrontations and a surge in misinformation and hate speech reminiscent of the conditions that fueled past conflicts which took over 400,000 lives.
U.S. Minister Counselor John Kelley defended the embargo, stating it “remains necessary to stem the unfettered flow of weapons into a region that remains awash with guns,” and urging South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize peace.
However, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Anna Evstigneeva argued that easing sanctions is “long overdue” and that the embargo hinders the implementation of the peace agreement and the ability of the national armed forces to properly equip themselves.
South Sudan’s UN ambassador, Cecilia Adeng, expressed “deep disappointment” with the extension, stating that lifting sanctions is vital for “economic opportunity and dignity” and arguing that they create barriers to growth, discourage investment, and leave the country vulnerable to non-state actors. The presidential election in South Sudan has been postponed until 2026.
First Piper 