The UN Security Council extended an arms embargo and sanctions imposed since 2028 on South Sudan by a year. The US-drafted resolution passed with the minimum amount of support necessary, with nine countries in favor and six abstentions. The text decried "the continued intensification of violence, including intercommunal violence, prolonging the political, security, economic and humanitarian crisis in most parts of the country." The resolution extends an arms embargo on the country by a year to May 31, 2025. It also extends an exemption, adopted a year ago, permitting the transfer of non-lethal military aid in support of a 2018 peace deal without necessitating prior notification. "It is essential to acknowledge the significant achievements we have made," said South Sudan's ambassador to the UN Cecilia Adeng, who called for a "more balanced approach." "Lifting the arms embargo will enable us to build robust security institutions necessary for maintaining peace and protecting our citizens." Source: Qatar News Agency