UN Sudan Sanctions Committee Alerts on Possible Targeted

The Chair of the council’s Committee, established according to a 2005 Resolution on Sudan, reported a surge in violence against civilians, particularly in West Darfur, along with violations of the arms embargo.

Joonkook Hwang, the South Korean ambassador who leads the Security Council Committee as per Resolution 1591, provided a comprehensive update to the 15-member organ. His report covered activities from December 13 to the present day, which included the release of the committee’s annual report for 2023. Additionally, they received the final report from the Sudan Panel on December 22, 2023, and its third quarterly report on February 23, 2024.

“The panel highlighted instances of arms embargo violations, breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws, ethnically driven recruitment by conflicting parties, and intricate financial networks established by armed groups active in Darfur.”

Hwang reiterated that those found guilty of violations and atrocities could face targeted sanctions. This includes both individuals and member states facilitating arms transfers to Darfur against the arms embargo outlined in paragraph 3(c) of Resolution 1591 (2005).

The sanctions regime imposed on Sudan by Resolution 1591 targets parties involved in the Darfur conflict since the early 2000s. It entails freezing assets and imposing travel bans on designated individuals.

Sudan’s envoy to the UN Security Council appealed for an end to sanctions, arguing it would enable the Sudanese government to better protect civilians in its war against the RSF. He urged member states to identify those responsible for arming militias for inclusion on the sanctions list, promising Sudan’s cooperation by providing names of foreign individuals involved in arms provision to militias. Citing Resolution 2725 (2024), he affirmed his delegation’s commitment to collaborating with the Council to lift sanctions.

Algeria’s representative emphasized the briefing’s fourth paragraph, which addressed the flow of weapons and ammunition into Darfur. He reminded the Council of the embargo on arms and ammunition in the region, stressing that those involved in trafficking could face sanctions. He urged the Council to identify and denounce perpetrators responsible for arms transportation within 90 days.

Since the eruption of conflict between the RSF and Sudanese armed forces in April last year, it’s estimated that over 12,000 Sudanese lives have been lost.

Edem Wosornu, the U.N. director of humanitarian operations, warned the Security Council that Sudan could face the world’s worst hunger crisis, with 18 million people already experiencing acute food insecurity. She underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid, lamenting that the U.N. appeal for $2.7 billion for Sudan had received less than 5% funding, amounting to just $131 million.