The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene on Friday to finally make the decision on either imposing arms embargo and sanctions on the war torn South Sudan.
The United States supported by her traditional western allies; Britain and France, has been pushing for diplomatic punitive measures against the young nation that plunged into bloody internal conflict in late 2013 and also targeted sanctions against the individuals masterminding the war.
For today’s sitting a minimum of 9 votes out of the 15 Security Council member states is needed to pass vote without any veto.
Previous attempts have been vetoed by Russia and China.
The two are widely believed to be abstaining from voting today other than vetoing.
If the US and allies are to carry day today, Global Arms Embargo for a period of one year and renewable is going to be slapped on the volatile Great Lakes nation.
The transfer of weapons, ammunitions or any war related items or equipments in or out of South Sudan to and from any country in the region or worldwide is also going to be stopped.
South Sudan however has an existing defense agreement with Uganda signed in 2014 and Kampala can procure arms for the northern neighbor.
Meanwhile targeted sanctions are expected to be imposed on three more figures in South Sudan including two from President Salva Kiir’s government and one from the rebel group of Dr. Riek Machar.
The UN has already imposed sanctions on 6 generals both from the government and opposition side.
In July 2015, the presidential guard unit commander, Maj. Gen. Marial Chanwong, Sector One Commander Mangok, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Jok Riak and 3rd Division Commander Maj. Gen. Santiono Deng Wol were slapped with sanctions that included assets freeze and travel.
From the rebel side, the Chief of General Staff, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, Gen. James Koang Chuol and Gen. Peter Gadet were also sanctioned.
The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control had already imposed sanctions on generals Chanuong and Gatwech in May 2014 following President Barack Obama’s directive.