Sudan arms embargo: US seeks nationwide UN expansion

The United States proposed at the UN Security Council on Monday that a United Nations arms embargo on Sudan's Darfur region be expanded to cover all of Sudan, arguing that outside support risks widening the country's war.

US envoy Massad Boulos said Washington had put forward a resolution to extend the embargo nationwide. He said it would also bring drones under the arms restriction regime, increase the number of experts monitoring the existing embargo and improve coordination with other expert panels tracking possible embargo breaches, asset freezes and travel bans.

The Darfur arms embargo has been in place for more than two decades and is due to expire on September 12, 2026, if council members do not reach a new agreement. A nationwide expansion would require a Security Council vote. Russia, which has veto power, warned against new measures that would affect the Sudanese army.

UN political affairs chief Rosemary Di Carlo said sophisticated weapons used in Sudan continued to point to outside support for both sides. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said recent fighting had included heavy use of drones and localised ground combat in areas less affected by rainy-season conditions.

Sudan's war is in its fourth year and has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions. The army controls central and eastern areas, while the rival Rapid Support Forces control Darfur in the west and parts of the south. Peacebuilding activist Eva Khair told the council that weapons were still flowing into Darfur and urged members to expand the embargo nationwide.