U.S. Announces It Will Propose U.N. Sanctions Regime for South Sudan

Nov 4 (Reuters) – The U.S. delegation to the United Nations informed members of the Security Council on Tuesday that it will circulate a draft resolution establishing an international sanctions regime for conflict-torn South Sudan, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

“The resolution will establish a mechanism for targeting individuals undermining South Sudan’s political stability and abusing human rights,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

“We believe targeted measures are appropriate at this time to support efforts to establish a peace agreement and cessation of hostilities,” the official said. He did not say when the draft would be circulated to the 15-nation council and put to a vote.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar must continue to engage in peace talks led by the East African regional bloc IGAD, he added.

“To date, there has been insufficient progress in those talks due, in part, to the political spoilers and human rights abusers whose violent actions have undermined progress,” the official said.

“This resolution is a first step in increasing the pressure on all parties and sending a strong message that those most responsible for South Sudan’s political and humanitarian crisis will be held accountable,” he added.